China is the leading exporter of textiles on the globe. Recently Chinese labor costs have risen; the cost of raw materials also has increased. However, Chinese suppliers can still provide better quality products at lower prices when selling in bulk. What is the general US duty rate for clothes imported from China?
Importing clothes from China – production areas
Textiles are mainly produced in the east of China, in provinces Zhejiang and Jiangsu. Some of the biggest manufacturers are in Guangdong and Shandong provinces.
Check manufacturers in:
- Guangzhou
- Dongguan
- Fuzhou
- Suzhou
- Quanzhou
- Xiamen
- Shenzhen
- Wuhan
- Qingdao.
Importing clothes from China – trade fairs
If you want to get the best deal, consider attending a trade show. During such trade shows, you can find new business partners and get familiar with manufactured goods. Below is a list of trade fairs held in China focused on clothes.
Shenzhen International Brand Underwear Fair
Location: Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, Shenzhen
Official website: siuf.com/en
SIUF focuses on the underwear industry.
Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics Fair
Location: Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center, Shenzhen
Official website: intertextile-shenzhen.hk.messefrankfurt.com/shenzhen/en.html
One of the most famous tradeshows that focuses on textiles.
Cool Kids Fashion Shanghai
Location: National Convention & Exhibition Center, Shanghai
Official website: coolkidsfashion.com/en
Tradeshow focused on kids’ fashion.
Hong Kong Fashion Week Spring/Summer
Location: Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center, Hong Kong
Official website: event.hktdc.com/fair/hkfashionweekfw-en/HKTDC-Hong-Kong-Fashion-Week
The main categories of the tradeshow are:
- bags, handbags & accessories
- clothing/garments
- eyewear & accessories
- fashion accessories
- shoes & accessories
- textiles, fabrics & yarns.
US duty rate for clothes imported from China
Payment of custom duties in necessary if you import goods that are valued at $200 and above. The current rates of duty are in the HTS. Below you can find the list of clothing items and their rates of duty in the US.
Commodity name – US duty rate
- Jackets imported as parts of suits of cotton (6104.19.60.10) – 9.4%
- Women’s or girls’ overcoats, carcoats, capes, cloaks, anoraks (including ski jackets), windbreakers and similar articles, knitted or crocheted, of wool or fine animal hair (6102.10.00.00) – 55.9¢/kg + 16.4%
- Sweaters, pullovers, sweatshirts, waistcoats (vests) and similar articles of wool or fine animal hair (6111.90.05.10) – 13.6%
- Trousers, breeches, and shorts of artificial fibers (6111.90.10.00) – 14.9%
- Sunsuits, playsuits and wash suits (6111.90.50.10) – 14.9%
- Men’s or boys’ cotton tracksuits (6112.11.00.10) – 14.9%
- Women’s or girls’ shirts of artificial fibers (6112.19.10.40) – 28.2%
- Men’s or boys’ trousers containing at least 70% of silk (6112.19.40.50) – 3.5%
- Babies’ cotton dresses (6209.20.10.00) – 11.8%
- Leather anoraks (4203.10.40.10) – 6%
Due to the ongoing US-China trade war, some goods imported from China to the US are subject to an additional tariff. The 7.5% tariff applies to all the above-mentioned subheadings except for leather anoraks (25%).
Importing clothes from China – importer’s responsibilities (US)
There are some things you must bear in mind when importing clothes to the US:
- apparel has to have the care label (listing fiber content, country of origin, manufacturer identity, care instructions)
- check the flammability requirements for textiles
- you need a Children’s Product Certificate for clothing for children under the age of 12.
If you are making the first deal with your supplier, do not forget to have due diligence conducted beforehand. Make sure that you have complete documentation for the import process.
If you are interested in importing other goods from China, check out our other posts on that topic.
Region of jeans production in China