Clothing accessories exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $10.6 million of clothing accessories in 2024 (1.6 thousand tonnes). Value fell 41% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $33.1 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 | $10.6M | 1.6K t |
| 2023 | $18.0M | 2.5K t |
| 2022 | $19.5M | 2.8K t |
| 2021 | $33.1M | 2.4K t |
| 2020 | $14.4M | 1.2K t |
| 2019 | $23.1M | 1.9K t |
| 2018 | $18.7M | 2.2K t |
| 2017 | $16.4M | 2.0K t |
Where South Africa exports clothing accessories to
Lesotho alone took 82% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | $8.7M | 82% |
| Namibia | $398K | 3.8% |
| Eswatini | $302K | 2.9% |
| Malawi | $250K | 2.4% |
| Botswana | $229K | 2.2% |
| DR Congo | $72K | 0.7% |
| Zambia | $58K | 0.6% |
| Mozambique | $57K | 0.5% |
| Canada | $54K | 0.5% |
| Italy | $49K | 0.5% |
Product types under HS 6217
| 6217.90 | Clothing: parts of garments or of clothing accessories, other than those of heading no. 6212 (not knitted or crocheted) | 82% |
| 6217.10 | Clothing accessories: other than those of heading no. 6212 (not knitted or crocheted) | 18% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6217.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.47 per kg, 67% below the world average of $19.84, 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.
Clothing accessories imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $4.1 million of clothing accessories in 2024 (524 tonnes). China alone supplied 53% of it. Among the main suppliers, Eswatini grew fastest (+79% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.1M | 53% |
| Eswatini | $719K | 18% |
| Italy | $464K | 11% |
| Pakistan | $102K | 2.5% |
| Lesotho | $88K | 2.2% |
| India | $83K | 2% |
| Canada | $79K | 1.9% |
| United States | $71K | 1.7% |
| Zimbabwe | $58K | 1.4% |
| Vietnam | $40K | 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
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 6217: Clothing accessories n.e.c.; parts of garments or accessories other than those of heading no. 6212 (not knitted or crocheted).
Common questions
What is the value of clothing accessories exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported clothing accessories worth $10.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 29th of 189 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 41% on 2023.
Which countries buy clothing accessories from South Africa?
Lesotho was the largest buyer with 82% of the value ($8.7 million), followed by Namibia (4%) and Eswatini (3%). The top three together account for 89%, out of 74 buyer countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 601% on the year.
What is the average export price of clothing accessories per kg?
The average declared export value was about $6.47 per kg in 2024, 67% below the world average of $19.84 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 exports of clothing accessories from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $16.4 million in 2017 to $10.6 million in 2024, a fall of 36%. The peak was 2021 at $33.1 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import clothing accessories?
Yes. South Africa imported $4.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Eswatini and Italy. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $6.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for clothing accessories?
The HS code for clothing accessories is heading 6217. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 6217.90 (82% of the value) and 6217.10 (18%). It sits in HS chapter 62 (apparel and clothing accessories; not knitted or crocheted). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6217 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.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.