HS Code 5205.12 – Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 714.29 but not less than 232.56 decitex (exceeding 14 but not exceeding 43 metric number), not for retail sale

HS code 520512 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 714.29 but not less than 232.56 decitex (exceeding 14 but not exceeding 43 metric number), not for retail sale. This HS code covers single cotton yarn, not sewing thread, made from uncombed fibers, with a high cotton content (85% or more), and falling within a medium-coarse fineness range: less than 714.29 but not less than 232.56 decitex (exceeding 14 but not exceeding 43 metric number). This industrial-grade yarn is a workhorse in the textile industry, widely used for a variety of woven and knitted fabrics where a balance of strength, durability, and a reasonable level of fineness is required. Its "uncombed" nature means it retains some natural irregularities, making it suitable for fabrics that don't demand extreme smoothness, such as shirting, sheeting, and some apparel fabrics. Major importers are textile manufacturing hubs like China, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, which convert these yarns into finished goods. Exporters typically include countries with strong spinning sectors, such as India, Pakistan, China, and Turkey. Key trade considerations include yarn evenness, strength, and twist, as these properties directly influence the efficiency of subsequent fabric production and the quality of the end product.

Medium-coarse uncombed cotton yarn, Shirting yarn, Sheeting yarn, Apparel cotton yarn (medium), Knitting cotton yarn (medium), Weaving cotton yarn (medium), Terry towel yarn

This code can be confused with other cotton yarns (HS 5205) if the specific decitex/metric number range or the "uncombed" characteristic is not precisely identified. It's also distinct from finer combed yarns or sewing threads.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 520512 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $825M, 32% of world exports), the United States ($499M) and India ($303M). World exports came to about $2.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 520512 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.4B, 55% of world imports), Honduras (about $375M) and Bangladesh (about $113M). World imports came to about $2.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 96% of its imports here ($113M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.

HS code 520512 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (52) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

In Brazil, HS code 520512 is NCM 5205.12.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.