Animal hair imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported animal hair worth $12.5 million (906 tonnes). It ranks 4th of 97 countries for imports of this product. Value fell 13% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $18.0 million.
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 | $12.5M | 907 t |
| 2023 | $14.4M | 961 t |
| 2022 | $18.0M | 997 t |
| 2021 | $16.5M | 1.2K t |
| 2020 | $8.1M | 1.2K t |
| 2019 | $6.7M | 504 t |
| 2018 | $7.6M | 451 t |
| 2017 | $10.0M | 1.2K t |
Where South Africa imports animal hair from
Lesotho alone supplied 66% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | $8.2M | 66% |
| United States | $2.7M | 21% |
| Australia | $1.4M | 11% |
| New Zealand | $145K | 1.2% |
| Argentina | $77K | 0.6% |
| Namibia | $12K | 0.1% |
| Kenya | $0K | 0% |
| China | $0K | 0% |
| Zimbabwe | $0K | 0% |
Product types under HS 5102
| 5102.19 | Hair: fine animal hair, not carded or combed, other than of kashmir (cashmere) goats | 95% |
| 5102.11 | Hair: fine animal hair, not carded or combed, of kashmir (cashmere) goats | 5.5% |
| 5102.20 | Hair: coarse animal hair, not carded or combed | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5102.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $13.83 per kg, close to the world average of $17.09.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Animal hair exports from South Africa
Exports of animal hair by South Africa reached $3.7 million in 2024 (285 tonnes). That makes it the 9th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 75 countries. The largest buyer markets were Italy (35%), China (32%), United Kingdom (17%). Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+628% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $1.3M | 35% |
| China | $1.2M | 32% |
| United Kingdom | $651K | 17% |
| India | $291K | 7.8% |
| Taiwan | $76K | 2% |
| Japan | $70K | 1.9% |
| DR Congo | $62K | 1.7% |
| Eswatini | $30K | 0.8% |
| Ireland | $21K | 0.6% |
| Germany | $15K | 0.4% |
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 5102: Fine or coarse animal hair, not carded or combed.
Common questions
What is the value of animal hair imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported animal hair worth $12.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 906 tonnes. That ranks it 4th of 97 countries worldwide, with 4% of world imports. The value was down 13% on 2023.
Which countries supply animal hair to South Africa?
Lesotho was the largest supplier with 66% of the value ($8.2 million), followed by the United States (21%) and Australia (11%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 9 supplier countries in total. New Zealand grew fastest among the top ten, up 29% on the year.
What is the average import price of animal hair per kg?
The average declared import value was about $13.83 per kg in 2024, 19% below the world average of $17.09 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 animal hair to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $10.0 million in 2017 to $12.5 million in 2024, an increase of 25%. The peak was 2022 at $18.0 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export animal hair?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Italy, China and the United Kingdom. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $8.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for animal hair?
The HS code for animal hair is heading 5102. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 5102.19 (95% of the value) and 5102.11 (5%). It sits in HS chapter 51 (wool, fine or coarse animal hair; horsehair yarn and woven fabric). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5102 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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