Polyester filament tow exports from the United States: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, the United States exported polyester filament tow worth $3.4 million (695 tonnes). It ranks 6th of 66 countries for exports of this product. Value rose 39% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $4.2 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3.4M | 695 t |
| 2023 | $2.4M | 1.5K t |
| 2022 | $4.2M | 1.1K t |
| 2021 | $3.4M | 1.2K t |
| 2020 | $2.9M | 1.0K t |
| 2019 | $2.0M | 672 t |
| 2018 | $3.4M | 787 t |
| 2017 | $2.1M | 318 t |
Where the United States exports polyester filament tow to
Most of it went to Malaysia (29%), China (22%), Thailand (18%). Among the main buyer markets, Canada grew fastest (+664% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | $982K | 29% |
| China | $748K | 22% |
| Thailand | $597K | 18% |
| Paraguay | $399K | 12% |
| Singapore | $119K | 3.5% |
| Belgium | $100K | 3% |
| Taiwan | $96K | 2.9% |
| South Korea | $56K | 1.7% |
| Canada | $56K | 1.7% |
| France | $40K | 1.2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.86 per kg, 103% above the world average of $2.39. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Polyester filament tow imports to the United States
The United States imported $538 thousand of polyester filament tow in 2024 (132 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. One supplier dominates: China accounted for 75% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Canada grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $404K | 75% |
| Canada | $50K | 9.3% |
| France | $15K | 2.9% |
| Germany | $13K | 2.5% |
| Japan | $13K | 2.4% |
| India | $10K | 1.9% |
| Brazil | $10K | 1.8% |
| Italy | $6K | 1.1% |
| Spain | $6K | 1.1% |
| Taiwan | $3K | 0.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States polyester filament tow exports (HS 5501.20): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 5501.20: Fibres: synthetic filament tow, of polyesters.
Common questions
What is the value of polyester filament tow exported by the United States?
The United States exported polyester filament tow worth $3.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 695 tonnes. That ranks it 6th of 66 countries worldwide, with 5% of world exports. The value was up 39% on 2023.
Which countries buy polyester filament tow from the United States?
Malaysia was the largest buyer with 29% of the value ($982 thousand), followed by China (22%) and Thailand (18%). The top three together account for 69%, out of 36 buyer countries in total. Canada grew fastest among the top ten, up 664% on the year.
What is the average export price of polyester filament tow per kg?
The average declared export value was about $4.86 per kg in 2024, 103% above the world average of $2.39 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of polyester filament tow from the United States changed since 2017?
Exports went from $2.1 million in 2017 to $3.4 million in 2024, an increase of 63%. The peak was 2022 at $4.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.0 million a year.
Does the United States also import polyester filament tow?
Yes. The United States imported $538 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Canada and France. On balance the United States is a net exporter of this product, by about $2.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyester filament tow?
The HS code for polyester filament tow is subheading 5501.20. It sits in HS chapter 55 (man-made staple fibres). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5501 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Shipment-level records for the United States reach EximDataX from a direct customs feed, with company names, dates and declared values. We can show them for your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World polyester filament tow trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United States
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