Baby knit clothing imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported baby knit clothing worth $57.6 million (4.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 3% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $72.6 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 | $57.6M | 4.5K t |
| 2023 | $55.9M | 4.5K t |
| 2022 | $69.9M | 5.5K t |
| 2021 | $72.6M | 6.1K t |
| 2020 | $55.4M | 5.6K t |
| 2019 | $57.5M | 6.0K t |
| 2018 | $54.8M | 5.9K t |
| 2017 | $47.7M | 5.7K t |
Where South Africa imports baby knit clothing from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 81% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $46.8M | 81% |
| Bangladesh | $3.9M | 6.7% |
| Lesotho | $2.3M | 4% |
| Madagascar | $1.7M | 3% |
| India | $1.1M | 1.9% |
| Vietnam | $552K | 1% |
| Turkey | $151K | 0.3% |
| Indonesia | $134K | 0.2% |
| Myanmar | $122K | 0.2% |
| Cambodia | $122K | 0.2% |
Product types under HS 6111
| 6111.20 | Garments and clothing accessories: babies', of cotton, knitted or crocheted | 52% |
| 6111.30 | Garments and clothing accessories: babies', of synthetic fibres, knitted or crocheted | 44% |
| 6111.90 | Garments and clothing accessories: babies', of textile materials (other than cotton or synthetic fibres), knitted or crocheted | 4.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6111.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $12.89 per kg, 38% below the world average of $20.65, 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 knit clothing exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $13.6 million of baby knit clothing in 2024 (886 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (32%), Botswana (24%), Eswatini (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest (+124% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $4.4M | 32% |
| Botswana | $3.3M | 24% |
| Eswatini | $1.7M | 12% |
| Lesotho | $1.5M | 11% |
| Zambia | $850K | 6.3% |
| Mozambique | $711K | 5.2% |
| Angola | $400K | 2.9% |
| Kenya | $262K | 1.9% |
| Mauritius | $209K | 1.5% |
| Tanzania | $98K | 0.7% |
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 6111: Garments and clothing accessories, babies'; knitted or crocheted.
Common questions
What is the value of baby knit clothing imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported baby knit clothing worth $57.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 29th of 213 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply baby knit clothing to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 81% of the value ($46.8 million), followed by Bangladesh (7%) and Lesotho (4%). The top three together account for 92%, out of 88 supplier countries in total. Lesotho grew fastest among the top ten, up 461% on the year.
What is the average import price of baby knit clothing per kg?
The average declared import value was about $12.89 per kg in 2024, 38% below the world average of $20.65 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 knit clothing to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $47.7 million in 2017 to $57.6 million in 2024, an increase of 21%. The peak was 2021 at $72.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export baby knit clothing?
Yes. South Africa exported $13.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $44.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for baby knit clothing?
The HS code for baby knit clothing is heading 6111. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 6111.20 (51% of the value) and 6111.30 (44%). It sits in HS chapter 61 (apparel and clothing accessories; knitted or crocheted). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6111 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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