HS Code 560 392 addresses nonwoven fabrics weighing more than 25 grammes per square metre. Key exporters and their trade performance in the US market are thoroughly analysed in this paper. The US sources mostly from Southeast Asian and EU nations as it looks for reasonably priced nonwoven fabrics. Fibre2Fashion looks at how big exporters are negotiating these changing trade dynamics given higher tariffs on China.
Review of trade policies and important notes
Every one of the top five exporters has competitive edge and effective logistics.
Under HS Code 560392, China still ranks highest among nonwoven fabric exporters; its total exports to the US amount $135.474 million. Its rather low export price, $2.92/kg, however, suggests a concentration on low-cost, high- volume manufacturing.
First tariff imposed on February 4, 2025, increased the tariff rate to 10% As production and export costs grow, this rise is predicted to drive up the unit value of exports (UVR). The UVR is therefore expected to be around $3.20/kg, which emphasises the increasing difficulties presented by increased tariffs. This rise implies that among consumers who are price conscious, nonwoven fabrics from China can lose their competitiveness.
Effective March 4, 2025, the second tariff’s rate rose still more to 20 per cent. The UVR is likely to be pushed to roughly $3.50/kg or more by this significant increase. The additional tariff load will keep raising expenses, therefore lowering the cost-effectiveness of these goods. Competitors from nations with lower tariff rates could so acquire a more substantial competitive edge, hence perhaps shifting demand away from Chinese products in regions sensitive to prices.
Though Taiwan sells less nonwoven fabrics to the US than Mainland China, its higher price of $3.81/kg indicates a concentration on luxury or specialist goods.
With a $6.01/kg export price among the top three countries, Thailand boasts the highest export price, suggesting either a competitive positioning catered to the US market or a strategy based on premium items.
With a price of $3.28/kg, Turkiye reflects a premium market positioning probably motivated by superior manufacturing capacity or specialist uses.
Germany presents a very competitive price of $6.39/kg even if its export volume among the top five is lowest. Government subsidies, cost control, or other economic considerations could all help to explain this. Furthermore, Germany’s greater UVR could be a reflection of a strong focus on quality, which helps its goods to command more US market value.
Views and analysis on the market
Based on volume, China dominates the US nonwoven fabric market right now. But the latest extra levy on Chinese products is projected to undermine its cost advantage, therefore generating chances for rivals. Countries like Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkiye compete on both pricing and specialisation, but China’s continued expertise in the sector, combined with its above-average logistics performance (LPI: 3.7), may help it maintain its dominant position, particularly in the US market.
High export rates in Thailand and Turkey point to a concentration on market differentiation techniques, aimed at premium sectors. Germany’s quite high pricing, on the other hand, can point to an emphasis on higher-end product offers or a cost-leadership strategy.
Market players in nonwoven fabric exports have to carefully evaluate volume and pricing policies in order to find and use their main advantages, so remaining competitive.
