HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5503.20 – Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of polyesters, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning
HS code 5503.20 is the 6-digit subheading for fibres, synthetic staple fibres, of polyesters, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. It is used for virgin polyester staple fiber, recycled polyester staple fiber, hollow conjugated polyester fiber, solid polyester staple fiber and flame-retardant polyester fiber.
What HS 5503.20 covers
This HS code covers synthetic staple fibers made from polyesters, traded in their raw, unprocessed form. Polyester staple fibers (PSF) are the most widely produced synthetic fibers globally, known for their excellent strength, wrinkle resistance, quick-drying properties, and versatility. International trade in PSF is massive, driven by its extensive use in apparel, home textiles, nonwovens, and industrial applications. Major importers are textile manufacturing hubs worldwide, particularly in Asia, which process these fibers into yarns, fabrics, and finished goods. Exporters are typically countries with large-scale petrochemical industries and advanced fiber production capacities. The market is highly competitive, with trade influenced by crude oil prices (as a raw material), environmental concerns (leading to recycled PSF), and evolving fashion trends. Key considerations include fiber denier, cut length, and whether it's virgin or recycled, as these factors determine its suitability for various end-products and market value.
- Covers
- Virgin polyester staple fiber
- Recycled polyester staple fiber
- Hollow conjugated polyester fiber
- Solid polyester staple fiber
- Flame-retardant polyester fiber
- Low-melt polyester fiber
- Examples
- Reliance Recron PSF
- Indorama Ventures PSF
- Far Eastern New Century (FENC) PSF
- Huvis PSF
Codes often confused with 5503.20
Common mistake. This code is specifically for polyester staple fibers and should not be confused with polyester filament tow (550120) or polyester yarns (5402xx), as the form factor is critical for classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 550320, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 550320 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 $1.6B 40% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $574M 15% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $319M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $492M 11% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$389M 8.9% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Pakistan $263M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $4.4B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 codes for 5503.20 2
Brazil splits HS 5503.20 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 5503.20.10 Bicomponent polyester staple, not carded or combedBicomponentes, de diferentes pontos de fusão
- 5503.20.90 Other polyester staple, not carded or combedOutras
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 55.03 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5503.20
What is HS code 550320?
HS code 550320 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of polyesters, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. This HS code covers synthetic staple fibers made from polyesters, traded in their raw, unprocessed form. Polyester staple fibers (PSF) are the most widely produced synthetic fibers globally, known for their excellent strength, wrinkle resistance, quick-drying properties, and versatility. International trade in PSF is massive, driven by its extensive use in apparel, home textiles, nonwovens, and industrial applications. Major importers are textile manufacturing hubs worldwide, particularly in Asia, which process these fibers into yarns, fabrics, and finished goods. Exporters are typically countries with large-scale petrochemical industries and advanced fiber production capacities. The market is highly competitive, with trade influenced by crude oil prices (as a raw material), environmental concerns (leading to recycled PSF), and evolving fashion trends. Key considerations include fiber denier, cut length, and whether it's virgin or recycled, as these factors determine its suitability for various end-products and market value.
What products fall under HS code 550320?
Virgin polyester staple fiber, Recycled polyester staple fiber, Hollow conjugated polyester fiber, Solid polyester staple fiber, Flame-retardant polyester fiber, Low-melt polyester fiber
What are common misclassifications for HS code 550320?
This code is specifically for polyester staple fibers and should not be confused with polyester filament tow (550120) or polyester yarns (5402xx), as the form factor is critical for classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 550320?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 550320 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.6B, 40% of world exports), South Korea ($574M) and Thailand ($319M). World exports came to about $3.9B, 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 550320?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 550320 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($492M, 11% of world imports), Vietnam (about $389M) and Pakistan ($263M). World imports came to about $4.4B, 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 550320 structured?
HS code 550320 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (55) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 550320?
Brazil splits HS code 550320 into 2 NCM codes: 5503.20.10 (Bicomponent polyester staple, not carded or combed), 5503.20.90 (Other polyester staple, not carded or combed). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.