Animal hair yarn exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $12.1 million of animal hair yarn in 2024 (226 tonnes). That makes it the 6th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 78 countries. Value fell 30% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $17.1 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 | $12.1M | 226 t |
| 2023 | $17.1M | 332 t |
| 2022 | $15.5M | 325 t |
| 2021 | $11.4M | 268 t |
| 2020 | $10.3M | 445 t |
| 2019 | $12.8M | 346 t |
| 2018 | $10.8M | 334 t |
| 2017 | $8.2M | 286 t |
Where South Africa exports animal hair yarn to
Most of it went to Germany (45%), United States (12%), Denmark (8%). Among the main buyer markets, Denmark grew fastest (+35% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $5.4M | 45% |
| United States | $1.5M | 12% |
| Denmark | $996K | 8.3% |
| France | $936K | 7.8% |
| Norway | $832K | 6.9% |
| Finland | $499K | 4.1% |
| United Kingdom | $476K | 4% |
| Syria | $448K | 3.7% |
| Ireland | $156K | 1.3% |
| Netherlands | $154K | 1.3% |
Product types under HS 5108
| 5108.20 | Yarn: of fine animal hair, combed, not put up for retail sale | 99% |
| 5108.10 | Yarn: of fine animal hair, carded, not put up for retail sale | 0.7% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5108.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $53.37 per kg, 34% below the world average of $80.47, 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.
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 5108: Yarn of fine animal hair (carded or combed), not put up for retail sale.
Common questions
What is the value of animal hair yarn exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported animal hair yarn worth $12.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 226 tonnes. That ranks it 6th of 78 countries worldwide, with 3% of world exports. The value was down 30% on 2023.
Which countries buy animal hair yarn from South Africa?
Germany was the largest buyer with 45% of the value ($5.4 million), followed by the United States (12%) and Denmark (8%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 35 buyer countries in total. Denmark grew fastest among the top ten, up 35% on the year.
What is the average export price of animal hair yarn per kg?
The average declared export value was about $53.37 per kg in 2024, 34% below the world average of $80.47 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 exports of animal hair yarn from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $8.2 million in 2017 to $12.1 million in 2024, an increase of 47%. The peak was 2023 at $17.1 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
What is the HS code for animal hair yarn?
The HS code for animal hair yarn is heading 5108. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 5108.20 (99% of the value) and 5108.10 (1%). 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 5108 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.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
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