Abrasive cloth imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $30.6 million of abrasive cloth in 2024 (3.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $30.6M | 3.8K t |
| 2023 | $30.8M | 3.6K t |
| 2022 | $31.8M | 4.2K t |
| 2021 | $32.5M | 4.0K t |
| 2020 | $21.5M | 2.8K t |
| 2019 | $27.8M | 3.7K t |
| 2018 | $30.7M | 3.8K t |
| 2017 | $28.8M | 3.7K t |
Where South Africa imports abrasive cloth from
Most of the value came from China (21%), Germany (18%), Finland (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 49%. Among the main suppliers, Turkey grew fastest (+91% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $6.5M | 21% |
| Germany | $5.5M | 18% |
| Finland | $3.1M | 10% |
| Poland | $2.1M | 6.8% |
| Turkey | $2.1M | 6.7% |
| United States | $2.0M | 6.4% |
| Greece | $1.7M | 5.6% |
| Italy | $1.6M | 5.2% |
| South Korea | $1.0M | 3.4% |
| Czech Republic | $899K | 2.9% |
Product types under HS 6805
| 6805.20 | Abrasive powder or grain: natural or artificial, on a base of paper or paperboard only, whether or not cut to shape or sewn or otherwise made up | 40% |
| 6805.30 | Abrasive powder or grain: natural or artificial, on a base of materials n.e.c. in heading no. 6805, whether or not cut to shape or sewn or otherwise… | 38% |
| 6805.10 | Abrasive powder or grain: natural or artificial, on a base of woven textile fabric only, whether or not cut to shape or sewn or otherwise made up | 22% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6805.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.04 per kg, 20% below the world average of $10.07, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Abrasive cloth exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported abrasive cloth worth $3.7 million (993 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (21%), Botswana (12%), Mozambique (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 45%. Among the main buyer markets, Czech Republic grew fastest (+43% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $785K | 21% |
| Botswana | $461K | 13% |
| Mozambique | $417K | 11% |
| Brazil | $385K | 10% |
| Zimbabwe | $382K | 10% |
| Zambia | $160K | 4.3% |
| Czech Republic | $145K | 3.9% |
| Austria | $128K | 3.5% |
| Eswatini | $105K | 2.8% |
| Angola | $103K | 2.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 6805: Abrasive powder or grain; natural or artificial, on a base of textile material, of paper, paperboard or of other material, whether or not cut to shape or sewn or otherwise made up.
Common questions
What is the value of abrasive cloth imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported abrasive cloth worth $30.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 36th of 221 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 0% on 2023.
Which countries supply abrasive cloth to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 21% of the value ($6.5 million), followed by Germany (18%) and Finland (10%). The top three together account for 49%, out of 60 supplier countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 91% on the year.
What is the average import price of abrasive cloth per kg?
The average declared import value was about $8.04 per kg in 2024, 20% below the world average of $10.07 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of abrasive cloth to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $28.8 million in 2017 to $30.6 million in 2024, an increase of 7%. The peak was 2021 at $32.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export abrasive cloth?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $26.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for abrasive cloth?
The HS code for abrasive cloth is heading 6805. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 6805.20 (40% of the value) and 6805.30 (38%). It sits in HS chapter 68 (stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials; articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6805 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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