Analysis
HTS 5609.00.20 covers of vegetable fibers, except cotton under heading 5609 (articles of yarn, strip or the like of heading 5404 or 5405, twine, cordage, rope or…).
Neighbouring lines carry rates from 2.9% to 4.5%, so the exact line matters. The widest gap is with 5609.00.30 (of man-made fibers), at 4.5%: a product that belongs there but is entered here, or the reverse, changes the duty by 4.5 percentage points.
Goods from countries without normal trade relations pay the column 2 rate of 40% instead of nothing, so origin decides between free entry and a 40% duty.
Goods classified here enter the United States duty-free at the general (normal trade relations) rate, as do about 35% of the 51 tariff lines in chapter 56. Chapter 99 measures such as Section 301 or 232 can still apply on top, depending on where the goods come from.
The other lines in the same group are 5609.00.10 (articles of yarn, strip or the like of heading 5404 or…, 2.9%), 5609.00.30 (of man-made fibers, 4.5%) and 5609.00.40 (articles of yarn, strip or the like of heading 5404 or…, 3.9%).
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 5609.00.10 | Articles of yarn, strip or the like of heading 5404 or 5405, twine, cordage, rope or cables, not elsewhere specified or included: of cotton | 2.9% |
| 5609.00.30 | Of man-made fibers | 4.5% |
| 5609.00.40 | Articles of yarn, strip or the like of heading 5404 or 5405, twine, cordage, rope or cables, not elsewhere specified or included: other | 3.9% |