Blended cotton yarn imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $3.8 million of blended cotton yarn in 2024 (1.7 thousand tonnes). Value fell 48% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $7.3 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 | $3.8M | 1.7K t |
| 2023 | $7.3M | 2.8K t |
| 2022 | $2.8M | 1.1K t |
| 2021 | $3.6M | 1.2K t |
| 2020 | $3.0M | 1.6K t |
| 2019 | $3.0M | 1.4K t |
| 2018 | $3.2M | 1.5K t |
| 2017 | $3.4M | 1.8K t |
Where South Africa imports blended cotton yarn from
One supplier dominates: India accounted for 61% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Malaysia grew fastest (+51% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $2.3M | 62% |
| China | $641K | 17% |
| Malaysia | $413K | 11% |
| Pakistan | $269K | 7.1% |
| Mauritius | $75K | 2% |
| Turkey | $65K | 1.7% |
| Lesotho | $0K | 0% |
| Japan | $0K | 0% |
| Philippines | $0K | 0% |
Product types under HS 5206
| 5206.12 | Cotton yarn: (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, less than 85% by weight of cotton, less than 714.29 but not less than 232.56 decitex… | 46% |
| 5206.13 | Cotton yarn: (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, less than 85% by weight of cotton, less than 232.56 but not less than 192.31 decitex… | 15% |
| 5206.21 | Cotton yarn: (not sewing thread), single, of combed fibres, less than 85% by weight of cotton, measuring 714.29 decitex or more, (not exceeding 14… | 14% |
| 5206.31 | Cotton yarn: (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of uncombed fibres, less than 85% by weight of cotton, 714.29 decitex or more (not exceeding 14… | 12% |
| 5206.11 | Cotton yarn: (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, less than 85% by weight of cotton, measuring 714.29 decitex or more (not exceeding 14… | 5.1% |
| 5206.23 | Cotton yarn: (not sewing thread), single, of combed fibres, less than 85% by weight of cotton, less than 232.56 but not less than 192.31 decitex… | 4.5% |
| 5206.15 | Cotton yarn: (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, less than 85% by weight of cotton, measuring less than 125 decitex (exceeding 80 metric… | 1.3% |
| 5206.22 | Cotton yarn: (not sewing thread), single, of combed fibres, less than 85% by weight of cotton, less than 714.29 but not less than 232.56 decitex… | 1.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5206.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.19 per kg, 23% below the world average of $2.84, 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.
Blended cotton yarn exports from South Africa
Exports of blended cotton yarn by South Africa reached $476 thousand in 2024 (130 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Australia accounted for 82% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Australia grew fastest (+70% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | $391K | 82% |
| Eswatini | $41K | 8.5% |
| Taiwan | $21K | 4.4% |
| Malawi | $14K | 3% |
| Angola | $4K | 0.8% |
| United States | $1K | 0.3% |
| Namibia | $1K | 0.3% |
| Guam | $1K | 0.2% |
| Lesotho | $1K | 0.2% |
| Mozambique | $1K | 0.1% |
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
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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 5206: Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale.
Common questions
What is the value of blended cotton yarn imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported blended cotton yarn worth $3.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 43rd of 163 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 48% on 2023.
Which countries supply blended cotton yarn to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 61% of the value ($2.3 million), followed by China (17%) and Malaysia (11%). The top three together account for 89%, out of 9 supplier countries in total. Malaysia grew fastest among the top ten, up 51% on the year.
What is the average import price of blended cotton yarn per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.19 per kg in 2024, 23% below the world average of $2.84 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 blended cotton yarn to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.4 million in 2017 to $3.8 million in 2024, an increase of 11%. The peak was 2023 at $7.3 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export blended cotton yarn?
Yes. South Africa exported $476 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Australia, Eswatini and Taiwan. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for blended cotton yarn?
The HS code for blended cotton yarn is heading 5206. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 5206.12 (46% of the value) and 5206.13 (15%). It sits in HS chapter 52 (cotton). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5206 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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