Coated textile imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported coated textile worth $2.2 million (517 tonnes). Value rose 7% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $3.0 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 | $2.2M | 517 t |
| 2023 | $2.1M | 435 t |
| 2022 | $3.0M | 614 t |
| 2021 | $2.3M | 585 t |
| 2020 | $1.8M | 467 t |
| 2019 | $2.2M | 533 t |
| 2018 | $2.1M | 488 t |
| 2017 | $2.0M | 476 t |
Where South Africa imports coated textile from
China alone supplied 83% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.9M | 83% |
| Germany | $57K | 2.6% |
| Netherlands | $57K | 2.6% |
| India | $51K | 2.3% |
| Italy | $34K | 1.5% |
| Belgium | $33K | 1.5% |
| United Kingdom | $29K | 1.3% |
| Czech Republic | $29K | 1.3% |
| Philippines | $27K | 1.2% |
| Hong Kong | $18K | 0.8% |
Product types under HS 5901
| 5901.90 | Textile fabrics: coated with gum or amylaceous substances, tracing cloth, prepared painting canvas, buckram and similar stiffened textile fabrics for… | 90% |
| 5901.10 | Textile fabrics: coated with gum or amylaceous substances, of a kind used for the outer covers of books or the like | 10% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5901.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.34 per kg, close to the world average of $4.15.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Coated textile exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $382 thousand of coated textile in 2024 (95 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (19%), Lesotho (14%), Botswana (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 46%. Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+733% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $72K | 19% |
| Lesotho | $55K | 14% |
| Botswana | $48K | 13% |
| Malawi | $36K | 9.4% |
| United States | $35K | 9.1% |
| United Kingdom | $29K | 7.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $28K | 7.4% |
| Eswatini | $12K | 3.1% |
| Jordan | $11K | 2.9% |
| Italy | $5K | 1.3% |
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 5901: Textile fabrics, gum or amylaceous substance coated, used for outer book covers and like; tracing cloth, prepared painting canvas; buckram and similar stiffened textile fabrics used for hat foundation.
Common questions
What is the value of coated textile imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported coated textile worth $2.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 517 tonnes. That ranks it 51st of 205 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 7% on 2023.
Which countries supply coated textile to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 83% of the value ($1.9 million), followed by Germany (3%) and the Netherlands (3%). The top three together account for 88%, out of 37 supplier countries in total. The Philippines grew fastest among the top ten, up 129% on the year.
What is the average import price of coated textile per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.34 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $4.15 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 coated textile to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.0 million in 2017 to $2.2 million in 2024, an increase of 14%. The peak was 2022 at $3.0 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export coated textile?
Yes. South Africa exported $382 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Lesotho and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for coated textile?
The HS code for coated textile is heading 5901. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 5901.90 (90% of the value) and 5901.10 (10%). It sits in HS chapter 59 (textile fabrics; impregnated, coated, covered or laminated; textile articles of a kind suitable for industrial use). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5901 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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