Unbleached plain-weave cotton fabric from India
India exported $72.8 million of unbleached plain-weave cotton fabric (HS 5208.11) in FY2025-26, down 31% on FY2024-25. Goods made in India pay 10% to 20.5% US import duty, depending on the tariff line, against 37.5% to 48% for goods from China.
- US duty from India
- 10%China 37.5%
- India's exports, FY2025-26
- $73MDown 31.0% on last year
- HS code
- 5208.11Page 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.
All 4 US tariff lines
| HTS line | Description | Base | India | China |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5208.11.20 | Plain weave, weighing not more than 100 g/m²: Of number 42 or lower number | 7% | 17% | 44.5% |
| 5208.11.40 | Plain weave, weighing not more than 100 g/m²: Of numbers 43 to 68 | 9% | 19% | 46.5% |
| 5208.11.60.00 | Of number 69 or higher number: Suitable for making typewriter ribbon, containing yarns the average number of which exceeds 85 but not 237, the total thread count (treating multiple (folded) or cabled yarns as single threads) per square centimeter is not less than 94 and not more than 134, and in which the thread count of either the warp or filling does not exceed 60 percent of the total thread count of the warp and filling (220) | Free | 10% | 37.5% |
| 5208.11.80 | Of number 69 or higher number: Other | 10.5% | 20.5% | 48% |
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 unbleached plain-weave cotton fabric
India's exports to all countries under HS 5208.11, April to March, from DGCI&S.
Rules and other duties
- EU base duty
- The EU's average applied base (MFN) rate on HS 5208.11 is 8%, 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 3.5% 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 unbleached plain-weave cotton fabric from India?
10% to 20.5% on the 4 US tariff lines under HS 5208.11, including the Section 301 duty on Indian goods and any Section 232 metals duty. Goods from China pay 37.5% to 48%. Anti-dumping duties and customs fees aren't included.
What is the HS code for unbleached plain-weave cotton fabric?
5208.11, under heading 5208 (Woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85 percent or more by weight of cotton, weighing not more than 200 g/m²). Check the exact 8-digit or 10-digit line with your customs broker, since duty can differ between lines.
Does India export unbleached plain-weave cotton fabric?
Yes. India exported $72.8 million under HS 5208.11 in FY2025-26, according to DGCI&S, the Ministry of Commerce's trade statistics body.