Analysis
HTS 5508.10.00 covers of synthetic staple fibers (200) under heading 5508 (sewing thread of man-made staple fibers, whether or not put up for retail sale).
Goods that qualify under the Australia FTA, the Bahrain FTA, the Chile FTA, the Colombia TPA, the Israel FTA, and 9 others can enter duty-free instead of paying 11.4%. It is also eligible under GSP, the developing-country programme, which Congress has to renew; check whether GSP is in force on the entry date.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 55%, 4.8 times the general rate.
The general duty rate is 11.4% of the customs value, which is in the middle of the rates in chapter 55 (49th percentile of 133 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $1,140 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
The other line in the same group is 5508.20.00 (of artificial staple fibers (200), 11%).
Census statistics map these goods to NAICS 313110 (Fiber, Yarn, and Thread Mills), an industry of 250 US establishments employing 18,290 people. That is the industry code a US manufacturer of the same product would normally use.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 5508.20.00 | Of artificial staple fibers (200) | 11% |