HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5308.90 – Yarn; of vegetable textile fibres n.e.c. in heading no. 5306, 5307 and 5308
HS code 5308.90 is the 6-digit subheading for yarn, of vegetable textile fibres n.e.c. in heading no. 5306, 5307 and 5308. It is used for sisal yarn, abaca yarn, ramie yarn (if not 5307), paper yarn and agave yarn.
What HS 5308.90 covers
This broad HS code serves as a catch-all for yarns made from various vegetable textile fibers not specifically classified under flax (5306), jute or other bast fibers (5307), coir (530810), or hemp (530820). This includes yarns from lesser-known but commercially viable fibers like ramie (if not classified under 5307), sisal, abaca, agave, or even certain types of paper yarn. These yarns are traded internationally for niche applications, specialty textiles, handicrafts, and industrial uses where their unique properties are desired. Importers are diverse, ranging from craft industries to specialized textile manufacturers in developed economies, seeking unique textures or sustainable alternatives. Exporters are often countries with indigenous cultivation of these specific plants and local processing capabilities, which can vary widely by fiber type. Key trade considerations involve the specific fiber's characteristics, yarn count, and any special treatments, as the market for these "other" fibers is often driven by specific end-use requirements and sustainability trends.
- Covers
- Sisal yarn
- Abaca yarn
- Ramie yarn (if not 5307)
- Paper yarn
- Agave yarn
- Nettle yarn
- Pineapple leaf fiber yarn
- Examples
- Sisalana sisal yarn
- Abaca Fiber Co. abaca yarn
- Ramietex ramie yarn
- Paper Yarn Co. paper yarn
Codes often confused with 5308.90
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with specific fiber yarns like 5307 (jute/bast) or 530810 (coir) if the fiber type is not precisely identified, leading to misclassification of unique vegetable yarns.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 530890, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 530890 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Nigeria, with 28% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $19M 30% of world exports
- 2 Italy $12M 18% of world exports
- 3 Brazil $8.0M 12% of world exports
World total: $64M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Nigeria $26M 28% of world imports
- 2 Portugal $5.5M 6.0% of world imports
- 3 China $5.3M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $93M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 5308.90
Brazil does not split HS 5308.90: its NCM code is 5308.90.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 53.08 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5308.90
What is HS code 530890?
HS code 530890 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Yarn; of vegetable textile fibres n.e.c. in heading no. 5306, 5307 and 5308. This broad HS code serves as a catch-all for yarns made from various vegetable textile fibers not specifically classified under flax (5306), jute or other bast fibers (5307), coir (530810), or hemp (530820). This includes yarns from lesser-known but commercially viable fibers like ramie (if not classified under 5307), sisal, abaca, agave, or even certain types of paper yarn. These yarns are traded internationally for niche applications, specialty textiles, handicrafts, and industrial uses where their unique properties are desired. Importers are diverse, ranging from craft industries to specialized textile manufacturers in developed economies, seeking unique textures or sustainable alternatives. Exporters are often countries with indigenous cultivation of these specific plants and local processing capabilities, which can vary widely by fiber type. Key trade considerations involve the specific fiber's characteristics, yarn count, and any special treatments, as the market for these "other" fibers is often driven by specific end-use requirements and sustainability trends.
What products fall under HS code 530890?
Sisal yarn, Abaca yarn, Ramie yarn (if not 5307), Paper yarn, Agave yarn, Nettle yarn, Pineapple leaf fiber yarn
What are common misclassifications for HS code 530890?
This code is frequently confused with specific fiber yarns like 5307 (jute/bast) or 530810 (coir) if the fiber type is not precisely identified, leading to misclassification of unique vegetable yarns.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 530890?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 530890 in UN Comtrade data were China ($19M, 30% of world exports), Italy ($12M) and Brazil ($8.0M). World exports came to about $64M, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 530890?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 530890 in UN Comtrade data were Nigeria ($26M, 28% of world imports), Portugal ($5.5M) and China ($5.3M). World imports came to about $93M, 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.
How is HS code 530890 structured?
HS code 530890 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (53) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 530890?
In Brazil, HS code 530890 is NCM 5308.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.