Baby clothing imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $18.1 million of baby clothing in 2024 (1.2 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 | $18.1M | 1.2K t |
| 2023 | $18.4M | 1.2K t |
| 2022 | $16.9M | 1.1K t |
| 2021 | $18.0M | 1.2K t |
| 2020 | $15.8M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $18.9M | 1.3K t |
| 2018 | $16.7M | 1.2K t |
| 2017 | $17.5M | 1.2K t |
Where South Africa imports baby clothing from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 80% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Eswatini grew fastest (+149% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $14.6M | 80% |
| India | $923K | 5.1% |
| Eswatini | $889K | 4.9% |
| Bangladesh | $790K | 4.4% |
| Madagascar | $449K | 2.5% |
| Lesotho | $243K | 1.3% |
| Italy | $58K | 0.3% |
| Turkey | $53K | 0.3% |
| Vietnam | $25K | 0.1% |
| Myanmar | $24K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 6209
| 6209.20 | Garments and clothing accessories: babies', of cotton (not knitted or crocheted) | 71% |
| 6209.30 | Garments and clothing accessories: babies', of synthetic fibres (not knitted or crocheted) | 27% |
| 6209.90 | Garments and clothing accessories: babies', of textile materials other than cotton or synthetic fibres (not knitted or crocheted) | 3% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6209.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $15.27 per kg, 33% below the world average of $22.92, 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.
Baby clothing exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported baby clothing worth $3.1 million (165 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (30%), Botswana (27%), Lesotho (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+106% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $949K | 30% |
| Botswana | $839K | 27% |
| Lesotho | $466K | 15% |
| Eswatini | $379K | 12% |
| Zambia | $125K | 4% |
| Mozambique | $84K | 2.7% |
| Kenya | $65K | 2.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $55K | 1.8% |
| Angola | $32K | 1% |
| Mauritius | $24K | 0.8% |
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 6209: Garments and clothing accessories; babies' (not knitted or crocheted).
Common questions
What is the value of baby clothing imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported baby clothing worth $18.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 21st of 214 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply baby clothing to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 80% of the value ($14.6 million), followed by India (5%) and Eswatini (5%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 73 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 488% on the year.
What is the average import price of baby clothing per kg?
The average declared import value was about $15.27 per kg in 2024, 33% below the world average of $22.92 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 baby clothing to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $17.5 million in 2017 to $18.1 million in 2024, an increase of 4%. The peak was 2019 at $18.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export baby clothing?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Lesotho. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $15.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for baby clothing?
The HS code for baby clothing is heading 6209. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 6209.20 (71% of the value) and 6209.30 (26%). It sits in HS chapter 62 (apparel and clothing accessories; not knitted or crocheted). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6209 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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