The USA is the single largest export market for Pakistan's sportswear manufacturers. Brands across the US — from small private label startups to established gym wear companies — source regularly from Sialkot. But the logistics, import duties, and lead time realities of sourcing from Pakistan are not always clearly understood before a first order.
This guide is written specifically for US-based fitness brands who are either sourcing from Pakistan for the first time or who are looking for a more reliable manufacturer than they have worked with before.
Import Duties on Fitness Wear from Pakistan to the USA
Pakistan does not have a free trade agreement with the USA. Fitness wear imported from Pakistan is subject to standard US import duties, which typically fall in the range of 12 to 32 percent depending on the product category and fabric composition.
This is not a reason not to source from Pakistan — the combination of competitive manufacturing pricing and quality typically still produces a better landed cost than many alternatives. But it needs to be factored into your product pricing from the beginning, not discovered after your first shipment arrives.
Your manufacturer should be able to provide the correct HS (Harmonized System) code for your product. A manufacturer who cannot — or who gives you a vague answer — is a risk to your customs clearance.
Shipping Options and Lead Times for US Brands
Most Pakistan-to-USA shipments travel by air freight or sea freight. Air freight from Sialkot to a major US port (Los Angeles, New York) typically takes 5 to 8 business days. Sea freight takes 25 to 35 days depending on routing.
For first orders, many brands use air freight to reduce the lead time. For repeat bulk orders where the product is proven, sea freight reduces per-unit logistics cost significantly. Your manufacturer should be familiar with both options and have working relationships with freight forwarders.
Total lead time from order confirmation to USA delivery — including production, QC, and shipping — is typically 6 to 10 weeks for a first air freight order. Plan for this in your launch timeline.
Sizing for US Customers
US sizing standards differ from those used in Pakistan and from European sizing. For fitness wear specifically, the key dimensions are bust, waist, hip, and inseam — and the measurements that correspond to US S, M, L, XL vary by product category.
Provide your target customer measurements explicitly in your tech pack, not just size labels. A Pakistani manufacturer's default M is often sized for a smaller frame than a US M. This is a solvable problem — but it needs to be solved in sampling, not discovered in bulk.
Working With ZYPFIT
ZYPFIT ships regularly to the USA. We understand US import requirements, work with experienced freight forwarders, and provide full export documentation with every order. Our patterns are adjustable for US sizing specifications.
If you are a US-based fitness brand and want to understand what sourcing from Pakistan actually looks like for your specific product, contact us. We will give you a straight answer on pricing, lead time, and what to prepare.
Contact ZYPFIT — Fitness Wear Manufacturer Pakistan for US Brands