Acrylic filament tow exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of acrylic filament tow by South Africa reached $5.8 million in 2024 (2.3 thousand tonnes). It ranks 10th of 61 countries for exports of this product. Value rose 20% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 24% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $8.0 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $5.8M | 2.3K t |
| 2023 | $4.9M | 2.0K t |
| 2022 | $4.5M | 1.9K t |
| 2021 | $8.0M | 2.8K t |
| 2020 | $5.6M | 1.8K t |
| 2019 | $4.6M | 1.6K t |
| 2018 | $5.0M | 1.6K t |
| 2017 | $1.3M | 474 t |
Where South Africa exports acrylic filament tow to
One buyer market dominates: Zambia accounted for 52% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Uganda grew fastest (+151% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $3.0M | 52% |
| Uganda | $1.4M | 24% |
| Mozambique | $558K | 9.6% |
| Kenya | $454K | 7.8% |
| Nigeria | $116K | 2% |
| Zimbabwe | $78K | 1.3% |
| Indonesia | $77K | 1.3% |
| Botswana | $68K | 1.2% |
| Malawi | $36K | 0.6% |
| Eswatini | $26K | 0.5% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.58 per kg, close to the world average of $2.86.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Acrylic filament tow imports to South Africa
Imports of acrylic filament tow by South Africa reached $20.5 million in 2024 (5.0 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 9th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 113 countries. Most of the value came from Turkey (49%), Japan (43%), Thailand (4%). Among the main suppliers, Turkey grew fastest (+162% on the year before).
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa acrylic filament tow exports (HS 5501.30): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
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 5501.30: Fibres: synthetic filament tow, acrylic or modacrylic.
Common questions
What is the value of acrylic filament tow exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported acrylic filament tow worth $5.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 10th of 61 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 20% on 2023.
Which countries buy acrylic filament tow from South Africa?
Zambia was the largest buyer with 52% of the value ($3.0 million), followed by Uganda (24%) and Mozambique (10%). The top three together account for 85%, out of 15 buyer countries in total. Uganda grew fastest among the top ten, up 151% on the year.
What is the average export price of acrylic filament tow per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.58 per kg in 2024, 10% below the world average of $2.86 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of acrylic filament tow from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $1.3 million in 2017 to $5.8 million in 2024, an increase of 340%. The peak was 2021 at $8.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also import acrylic filament tow?
Yes. South Africa imported $20.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Turkey, Japan and Thailand. That compares with exports of $5.8 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for acrylic filament tow?
The HS code for acrylic filament tow is subheading 5501.30. It sits in HS chapter 55 (man-made staple fibres). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5501 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World acrylic filament tow trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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