Polyester staple fibers from India
India exported $200 million of polyester staple fibers (HS 5503.20) in FY2025-26, down 31% on FY2024-25. Goods made in India pay 14.3% US import duty, against 41.8% for goods from China.
- US duty from India
- 14.3%China 41.8%
- India's exports, FY2025-26
- $200MDown 30.7% on last year
- HS code
- 5503.20Page updated 6 Nov 2026
US import duty, India vs China
India pays 27.5 points less on the lowest-duty line. From the USITC HTS 2026 Rev 22.
The US tariff line
| HTS line | Description | Base | India | China |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5503.20.00 | Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning: Of polyesters | 4.3% | 14.3% | 41.8% |
Totals include the Section 301 duty on goods from India or China and any Section 232 metals duty. They exclude anti-dumping and countervailing duties and customs fees. Check the current rate before you quote.
India's exports of polyester staple fibers
India's exports to all countries under HS 5503.20, April to March, from DGCI&S.
Rules and other duties
- EU base duty
- The EU's average applied base (MFN) rate on HS 5503.20 is 4%, from 2021 data. It doesn't include India's GSP preference, so goods from India may pay less. Check the current rate in TARIC before you quote.
- RoDTEP
- India's schedule lists 2.4% of FOB value for exporters. The scheme was notified until 30 September 2026, so check with DGFT whether it's been extended.
- India's export policy
- Free to export, with no licence needed.
Common questions
What is the US import duty on polyester staple fibers from India?
14.3% on the US tariff line for this code, including the Section 301 duty on Indian goods and any Section 232 metals duty. Goods from China pay 41.8%. Anti-dumping duties and customs fees aren't included.
What is the HS code for polyester staple fibers?
5503.20, under heading 5503 (Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning). Check the exact 8-digit or 10-digit line with your customs broker, since duty can differ between lines.
Does India export polyester staple fibers?
Yes. India exported $200 million under HS 5503.20 in FY2025-26, according to DGCI&S, the Ministry of Commerce's trade statistics body.