Carded synthetic staple fibre imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of carded synthetic staple fibre by South Africa reached $2.7 million in 2024 (957 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 13% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 7% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $4.5 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 | $2.7M | 957 t |
| 2023 | $3.2M | 983 t |
| 2022 | $3.2M | 821 t |
| 2021 | $3.6M | 1.1K t |
| 2020 | $2.5M | 1.2K t |
| 2019 | $3.1M | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $4.3M | 1.4K t |
| 2017 | $4.5M | 1.8K t |
Where South Africa imports carded synthetic staple fibre from
Turkey alone supplied 73% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+431% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | $2.0M | 73% |
| China | $313K | 11% |
| Portugal | $178K | 6.5% |
| Italy | $75K | 2.8% |
| Trinidad and Tobago | $55K | 2% |
| India | $49K | 1.8% |
| Austria | $23K | 0.9% |
| Spain | $19K | 0.7% |
| Pakistan | $11K | 0.4% |
| United States | $11K | 0.4% |
Product types under HS 5506
| 5506.30 | Fibres: synthetic staple fibres, acrylic or modacrylic, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning | 86% |
| 5506.20 | Fibres: synthetic staple fibres, of polyesters, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning | 8.1% |
| 5506.90 | Fibres: synthetic staple fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 5506, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning | 2.7% |
| 5506.10 | Fibres: synthetic staple fibres, of nylon or other polyamides, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning | 2.4% |
| 5506.40 | Fibres: synthetic staple fibres, of polypropylene, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning | 0.9% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5506.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.86 per kg, close to the world average of $3.27.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Carded synthetic staple fibre exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $248 thousand of carded synthetic staple fibre in 2024 (132 tonnes). Zimbabwe alone took 59% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+85% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $146K | 59% |
| Zambia | $24K | 9.5% |
| Senegal | $24K | 9.5% |
| Botswana | $19K | 7.6% |
| Namibia | $12K | 4.8% |
| Angola | $11K | 4.6% |
| Mozambique | $6K | 2.6% |
| Malawi | $2K | 1% |
| Eswatini | $2K | 0.9% |
| Lesotho | $1K | 0.3% |
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 5506: Synthetic staple fibres, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning.
Common questions
What is the value of carded synthetic staple fibre imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported carded synthetic staple fibre worth $2.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 957 tonnes. That ranks it 28th of 169 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 13% on 2023.
Which countries supply carded synthetic staple fibre to South Africa?
Turkey was the largest supplier with 73% of the value ($2.0 million), followed by China (11%) and Portugal (6%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 21 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 431% on the year.
What is the average import price of carded synthetic staple fibre per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.86 per kg in 2024, 13% below the world average of $3.27 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 carded synthetic staple fibre to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.5 million in 2017 to $2.7 million in 2024, a fall of 40%. The peak was 2017 at $4.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export carded synthetic staple fibre?
Yes. South Africa exported $248 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Senegal. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for carded synthetic staple fibre?
The HS code for carded synthetic staple fibre is heading 5506. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 5506.30 (86% of the value) and 5506.20 (8%). It sits in HS chapter 55 (man-made staple fibres). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5506 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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