Cleaning cloths imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of cleaning cloths by South Africa reached $13.8 million in 2024 (3.9 thousand tonnes). That is 14% more than in 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 | $13.8M | 3.9K t |
| 2023 | $12.0M | 3.5K t |
| 2022 | $11.8M | 3.2K t |
| 2021 | $13.1M | 3.6K t |
| 2020 | $8.9M | 2.6K t |
| 2019 | $11.1M | 4.6K t |
| 2018 | $10.4M | 4.0K t |
| 2017 | $10.2M | 3.5K t |
Where South Africa imports cleaning cloths from
Most of the value came from India (47%), China (40%), Netherlands (2%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $6.5M | 48% |
| China | $5.5M | 40% |
| Netherlands | $311K | 2.3% |
| Pakistan | $268K | 1.9% |
| United States | $209K | 1.5% |
| Vietnam | $186K | 1.4% |
| Italy | $175K | 1.3% |
| Germany | $136K | 1% |
| United Kingdom | $103K | 0.8% |
| South Korea | $61K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.55 per kg, 39% below the world average of $5.79, 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.
Cleaning cloths exports from South Africa
Exports of cleaning cloths by South Africa reached $3.1 million in 2024 (1.0 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Botswana (25%), Namibia (23%), Mozambique (8%). Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+85% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $782K | 25% |
| Namibia | $738K | 23% |
| Mozambique | $257K | 8.2% |
| Eswatini | $255K | 8.1% |
| Zambia | $231K | 7.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $198K | 6.3% |
| Lesotho | $134K | 4.2% |
| Malawi | $113K | 3.6% |
| United Kingdom | $69K | 2.2% |
| DR Congo | $60K | 1.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa cleaning cloths imports (HS 6307.10): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
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 6307.10: Cloths: floor cloths, dish-cloths, dusters and similar cleaning cloths.
Common questions
What is the value of cleaning cloths imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported cleaning cloths worth $13.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 43rd of 220 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 14% on 2023.
Which countries supply cleaning cloths to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 47% of the value ($6.5 million), followed by China (40%) and the Netherlands (2%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 67 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 187% on the year.
What is the average import price of cleaning cloths per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.55 per kg in 2024, 39% below the world average of $5.79 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of cleaning cloths to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $10.2 million in 2017 to $13.8 million in 2024, an increase of 35%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $11.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export cleaning cloths?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Namibia and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $10.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for cleaning cloths?
The HS code for cleaning cloths is subheading 6307.10. It sits in HS chapter 63 (textiles, made up articles; sets; worn clothing and worn textile articles; rags). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6307 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
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