US Import Duty Rates for Clothing from China: Tariffs, Production Regions, and Compliance

In my two decades sourcing apparel from China, I’ve seen too many importers assume a flat duty rate and get hit with surprise costs. The reality is that US duty rates for Chinese clothing vary dramatically by fabric, garment type, and even the inclusion of a hood. Understanding these rates before you negotiate with suppliers can save you thousands per container.

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 customs duties is 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% + 7.5%
• 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% + 7.5%
• Sweaters, pullovers, sweatshirts, waistcoats (vests) and similar articles of wool or fine animal hair (6111.90.05.10) – 13.6% + 7.5%
• Trousers, breeches, and shorts of artificial fibers (6111.90.10.00) – 14.9% + 7.5%
• Sunsuits, playsuits and wash suits (6111.90.50.10) – 14.9% + 7.5%
• Men’s or boys’ cotton tracksuits (6112.11.00.10) – 14.9% + 7.5%
• Women’s or girls’ shirts of artificial fibers (6112.19.10.40) – 28.2% + 7.5%
• Men’s or boys’ trousers containing at least 70% of silk (6112.19.40.50) – 3.5% + 7.5%
• Babies’ cotton dresses (6209.20.10.00) – 11.8% + 7.5%
• Leather anoraks (4203.10.40.10) – 6% + 25%

Due to the ongoing US-China trade war, some goods imported from China to the US are subject to an additional tariff.

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, and 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.

Importing clothing to the EU

Guangzhou fabric market

Region of jeans production in China

Textile production area in China

Before placing your first order, have a customs broker classify your garments using the correct HTS code. Also, don’t forget the additional Section 301 tariffs still in effect for many Chinese-made apparel. For peace of mind, let China-Check verify your supplier’s export compliance and perform a final quality inspection before shipment – it’s a small investment that protects your entire import budget.