Artificial filament tow exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of artificial filament tow by South Africa reached $3.0 million in 2024 (380 tonnes). That makes it the 5th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 52 countries. Value fell 61% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 34% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $7.7 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 | $3.0M | 380 t |
| 2023 | $7.7M | 1.3K t |
| 2022 | $2.4M | 397 t |
| 2021 | $328K | 68 t |
| 2020 | $2.5M | 448 t |
| 2019 | $2.6M | 356 t |
| 2018 | $1.5M | 258 t |
| 2017 | $375K | 67 t |
Where South Africa exports artificial filament tow to
Zimbabwe alone took 97% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $2.9M | 97% |
| Nigeria | $86K | 2.9% |
| Lesotho | $0K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.83 per kg, 32% above the world average of $5.91. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Artificial filament tow imports to South Africa
Imports of artificial filament tow by South Africa reached $1.6 million in 2024 (223 tonnes). It ranks 8th of 87 countries for imports of this product. One supplier dominates: United States accounted for 90% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $1.4M | 90% |
| China | $58K | 3.7% |
| Germany | $47K | 3% |
| Namibia | $47K | 3% |
| Japan | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa artificial filament tow exports (HS 5502.90): 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 5502.90: Fibres: artificial filament tow, other than cellulose acetate.
Common questions
What is the value of artificial filament tow exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported artificial filament tow worth $3.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 380 tonnes. That ranks it 5th of 52 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports. The value was down 61% on 2023.
Which countries buy artificial filament tow from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 97% of the value ($2.9 million), followed by Nigeria (3%) and Lesotho (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 3 buyer countries in total.
What is the average export price of artificial filament tow per kg?
The average declared export value was about $7.83 per kg in 2024, 32% above the world average of $5.91 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of artificial filament tow from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $375 thousand in 2017 to $3.0 million in 2024, an increase of 694%. The peak was 2023 at $7.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also import artificial filament tow?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United States, China and Germany. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $1.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for artificial filament tow?
The HS code for artificial filament tow is subheading 5502.90. It sits in HS chapter 55 (man-made staple fibres). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5502 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World artificial filament tow trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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