Carded wool exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of carded wool by South Africa reached $64.2 million in 2024 (2.3 thousand tonnes). It ranks 7th of 100 countries for exports of this product. That is 5% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2017, at $91.7 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 | $64.2M | 2.3K t |
| 2023 | $61.3M | 1.9K t |
| 2022 | $65.8M | 1.9K t |
| 2021 | $77.9M | 2.4K t |
| 2020 | $50.9M | 2.1K t |
| 2019 | $60.2M | 2.0K t |
| 2018 | $75.4M | 3.0K t |
| 2017 | $91.7M | 4.6K t |
Where South Africa exports carded wool to
Most of it went to China (37%), Italy (30%), Taiwan (16%). Among the main buyer markets, India grew fastest (+112% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $23.8M | 37% |
| Italy | $19.1M | 30% |
| Taiwan | $10.5M | 16% |
| United Kingdom | $2.0M | 3.2% |
| Bulgaria | $1.9M | 3% |
| Japan | $1.6M | 2.5% |
| India | $1.5M | 2.4% |
| Peru | $917K | 1.4% |
| Romania | $870K | 1.4% |
| Spain | $494K | 0.8% |
Product types under HS 5105
| 5105.39 | Hair: fine animal hair, carded or combed, other than of kashmir (cashmere) goats | 90% |
| 5105.29 | Wool: wool tops and other combed wool, other than in fragments | 10% |
| 5105.21 | Wool: wool tops and other combed wool, in fragments | 0.1% |
| 5105.10 | Wool: carded | 0.1% |
| 5105.40 | Hair: coarse animal hair, carded or combed | 0% |
| 5105.31 | Hair: fine animal hair, carded or combed, of kashmir (cashmere) goats | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5105.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $27.36 per kg, 129% above the world average of $11.94. 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.
Carded wool imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $2.1 million of carded wool in 2024 (209 tonnes). The largest suppliers were Argentina (37%), Czech Republic (22%), Uruguay (15%). Among the main suppliers, Argentina grew fastest (+547% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | $758K | 37% |
| Czech Republic | $449K | 22% |
| Uruguay | $310K | 15% |
| Taiwan | $246K | 12% |
| Peru | $110K | 5.3% |
| India | $85K | 4.1% |
| Italy | $60K | 2.9% |
| Germany | $34K | 1.6% |
| United Kingdom | $11K | 0.5% |
| China | $3K | 0.2% |
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 5105: Wool and fine or coarse animal hair; carded or combed (including combed wool in fragments).
Common questions
What is the value of carded wool exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported carded wool worth $64.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 7th of 100 countries worldwide, with 5% of world exports. The value was up 5% on 2023.
Which countries buy carded wool from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 37% of the value ($23.8 million), followed by Italy (30%) and Taiwan (16%). The top three together account for 83%, out of 35 buyer countries in total. Peru grew fastest among the top ten, up 160% on the year.
What is the average export price of carded wool per kg?
The average declared export value was about $27.36 per kg in 2024, 129% above the world average of $11.94 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 exports of carded wool from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $91.7 million in 2017 to $64.2 million in 2024, a fall of 30%. The peak was 2017 at $91.7 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import carded wool?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Argentina, the Czech Republic and Uruguay. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $62.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for carded wool?
The HS code for carded wool is heading 5105. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 5105.39 (90% of the value) and 5105.29 (10%). It sits in HS chapter 51 (wool, fine or coarse animal hair; horsehair yarn and woven fabric). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5105 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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