Routing pattern
Manila / Subic / Batangas to a West Coast, Gulf, East Coast, or regional gateway.
Philippine apparel sourcing guide
Import apparel from the Philippines to United States
Buyers importing apparel from the Philippines to United States can source blank shirts and custom OEM/ODM garments directly from PHShirt. We prepare commercial documentation for the agreed Incoterm and coordinate freight from the Philippines toward Washington and other commercial centers in United States. Final duties, permits, labelling, and product-safety obligations should be confirmed with a licensed broker or competent authority before shipment.
Why source apparel from the Philippines?
PHShirt combines export-ready garment production with direct access to established blank-shirt brands. Buyers can source Yalex, A2Z, Crown, Softex, and Blackhorse blanks or commission OEM/ODM runs with custom fabric, sizing, labels, printing, embroidery, and packaging.
- Flexible productionBlank-stock fulfillment and custom manufacturing from one supplier.
- Document coordinationCommercial invoice, packing list, and origin documents prepared to the agreed shipment.
- Human export supportOne sales contact from specification review through dispatch.
Shipping route to United States
Final routing depends on volume, Incoterm, carrier space, and the buyer's nominated forwarder. PHShirt coordinates booking through Subic Bay, Manila (North Harbor), Batangas, and Cebu container terminals - direct sailings to West Coast, Gulf, and East Coast US gateways.
Sea gateways
Top US container ports by TEU throughput.
- West Coast - Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle/Tacoma
- Gulf Coast - Houston, Mobile, New Orleans, Tampa
- East Coast - New York/New Jersey, Savannah, Norfolk, Charleston, Baltimore, Miami, Jacksonville, Port Everglades
- Regional & niche - San Diego, Portland (OR), Gulfport, Galveston, Savannah, Philadelphia
Air gateways
Major US international cargo airports serving Asia routes.
- West Coast - Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), Anchorage (ANC)
- Central / Hub - Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Atlanta (ATL), Memphis (MEM), Louisville (SDF), Cincinnati (CVG)
- East Coast - New York JFK (JFK), Newark (EWR), Washington Dulles (IAD), Miami (MIA), Boston (BOS)
See the full US import gateway directory (all major sea ports + cargo airports) →
US tariff & customs landscape for apparel imports
Tariff outcomes depend on HS classification, declared value, country of origin, and the current US trade-policy framework. Philippine-origin apparel benefits from several favorable treatment paths. Always confirm with a licensed customs broker before contracting freight.
Section 321 De Minimis
Duty- and tax-free entry for shipments to one person on one day valued at $800 USD or less. Useful for direct-to-consumer dropship and e-commerce fulfillment; documentation is simplified but entry type (Section 321 vs. formal entry) must be declared correctly.
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)
The Philippines is a GSP-eligible developing country. Many apparel HTS lines enter the US duty-free under GSP when the importer claims preference and the goods meet rules of origin. Note: GSP has lapsed for renewal cycles historically; verify current status before contracting.
MFN / Normal Trade Relations
Most apparel from the Philippines falls under HTS Chapter 61 (knitted) or Chapter 62 (woven). Cotton and MMF apparel MFN rates vary by fiber content, gender, and garment construction - typically range from 16.5% to 32% on the entered value. Wool apparel is generally duty-free under MFN.
Section 301 (China-origin goods)
Additional 7.5%–25% Section 301 tariffs apply to apparel with China as the country of origin. PHShirt manufactures in the Philippines - Section 301 does not apply to fully Philippine-origin garments. This is a material cost advantage versus China-sourced apparel for US importers post-2018.
IEEPA Reciprocal Tariffs (2025)
Since 2025 the US has imposed reciprocal tariffs under IEEPA on selected origin countries. The Philippines is not currently listed for additional reciprocal surcharges above standard MFN duties, but rates are subject to executive action. Verify current effective rates with USTR notices before contracting.
Section 321 - End of De Minimis?
Pending legislation (e.g., the bipartisan Import Security and Fairness Act) could repeal or narrow the $800 de minimis threshold for textile/apparel shipments from specific origins. If passed, direct-to-consumer economics change materially. PHShirt tracks these developments and will quote on the framework in force at the time of order.
Likely landed-cost build-up for a Philippine-origin apparel shipment
- FOB garment value - agreed ex-factory price
- Ocean or air freight - Manila to named US gateway, Incoterm-dependent
- Insurance - typically 0.3%–0.5% of cargo value for CIF/CIP
- US duty - GSP (0%) or MFN rate by HTS classification; Section 301 not applicable for PH origin
- MPF - Merchandise Processing Fee: 0.3464% of value, capped annually
- HMF - Harbor Maintenance Fee: 0.125% on vessel cargo only (sea freight)
- Bond, brokerage, drayage, last-mile - variable by gateway
For an accurate landed cost we need the final garment specification, HTS line, Incoterm, gateway, and order value. Request a quote and we will model this against current rates.
Landed-cost & Trade Framework for United States
A reliable landed-cost estimate needs the final garment specification, quantity, packing dimensions, HS classification, Incoterm, destination, and delivery mode.
- Trade Framework
- US Section 321 De Minimis ($800 USD), Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), and standard MFN treatment under HTSUS. See the US tariff landscape section above for the full breakdown.
- Duty & Customs Guide
- Many Philippine-origin apparel lines enter the US duty-free under GSP or at MFN rates by HTS chapter. Section 301 surcharges do not apply to PH-origin garments. Section 321 de minimis supports DTC and small-parcel entry. FTC Textile & Wool Acts compliance required for permanent care & fiber content labelling.
- Recommended Fabrics
- 160-200 GSM ring-spun cotton, heavyweight fleece hoodies, and retail-ready tearaway label stock.
- Destination currency
- US Dollar (USD)
- Freight variables
- Chargeable weight or cubic volume, fuel and security surcharges, terminal fees, brokerage, insurance, MPF (0.3464%), HMF (0.125% sea only), and inland delivery.
Compliance checkpoints for United States
These checkpoints are planning prompts, not a substitute for a binding tariff ruling or legal advice. Confirm the exact product scope before production labels and packaging are approved.
- FTC textile fiber, care-label, and country-of-origin rules
- CPSC requirements where children’s products apply
HS classification starting points
Most apparel begins in Chapter 61 or 62. Fiber composition, knit versus woven construction, gender, garment type, and intended use determine the final tariff line.
- HS Chapter 61 - knitted or crocheted apparel
- HS Chapter 62 - woven apparel
- Confirm the 6–10 digit tariff line with a licensed customs broker
Documents commonly prepared
Document requirements vary by buyer, carrier, bank, customs authority, and trade arrangement.
- 01Commercial invoiceSeller, buyer, goods, values, currency, Incoterm, and payment details.
- 02Packing listCartons, quantities, sizes, net and gross weight, and dimensions.
- 03Transport documentBill of lading, sea waybill, or air waybill issued for the shipment.
- 04Supporting certificatesOrigin, testing, inspection, or preferential documents when required.
MOQ, timing, and payment
Production starts after specification, sample or artwork, price, payment, and delivery terms are approved in writing.
- Minimum order
- 50 pieces per design for custom production; blank-stock MOQs depend on brand, color, and size mix
- Production lead time
- 3–6 weeks after sample, artwork, and payment approval; shipping time is additional
- Typical payment structure
- Bank transfer; documentary collection or letter of credit may be agreed for qualified larger orders
Importing from the Philippines to United States: FAQ
Answers for early-stage sourcing. Your quotation will state the commercial terms that apply to the actual order.
What is the minimum order for shipping apparel to United States?
50 pieces per design for custom production; blank-stock MOQs depend on brand, color, and size mix
How long does shipping from the Philippines to United States take?
The planning estimate for sea freight is 22–45 days. Production normally takes 3–6 weeks after sample, artwork, and payment approval; shipping time is additional. Carrier schedules, customs, transshipment, and inland delivery can change the final timeline.
Which HS codes commonly apply to apparel imported into United States?
Knitted or crocheted apparel generally begins in HS Chapter 61, while woven apparel generally begins in Chapter 62. A licensed customs broker should confirm the final tariff line from the garment construction, fiber content, use, and destination tariff schedule.
Can PHShirt supply custom labels and packaging for United States?
Yes. OEM/ODM orders can include buyer-approved size labels, care labels, brand labels, hangtags, folding, polybags, and carton marks, subject to the destination's current labelling and packaging rules.
Which Incoterms can be quoted?
PHShirt can discuss common Incoterms such as EXW, FCA, FOB, CFR, or CIF depending on the route and forwarder arrangement. The final quotation identifies the named place and Incoterms 2020 rule.
Discuss a shipment to United States
Send your garment type, quantity, sizes, decoration method, target delivery date, and destination city.