Combed wool tops exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported combed wool tops worth $6.4 million (276 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 22% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 22% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $35.5 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 | $6.4M | 276 t |
| 2023 | $5.3M | 254 t |
| 2022 | $4.7M | 166 t |
| 2021 | $4.3M | 211 t |
| 2020 | $4.6M | 230 t |
| 2019 | $10.3M | 427 t |
| 2018 | $14.2M | 807 t |
| 2017 | $35.5M | 2.3K t |
Where South Africa exports combed wool tops to
Taiwan alone took 81% of it. Among the main buyer markets, India grew fastest (+441% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan | $5.2M | 81% |
| India | $951K | 15% |
| Poland | $168K | 2.6% |
| United Kingdom | $34K | 0.5% |
| Botswana | $26K | 0.4% |
| Italy | $21K | 0.3% |
| Eswatini | $9K | 0.1% |
| Namibia | $6K | 0.1% |
| Canada | $2K | 0% |
| Lesotho | $2K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $23.39 per kg, 120% above the world average of $10.64. 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.
Combed wool tops imports to South Africa
Imports of combed wool tops by South Africa reached $1.9 million in 2024 (196 tonnes). The largest suppliers were Argentina (41%), Czech Republic (24%), Uruguay (17%). Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+652% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | $758K | 41% |
| Czech Republic | $449K | 24% |
| Uruguay | $310K | 17% |
| Taiwan | $169K | 9% |
| India | $85K | 4.6% |
| Italy | $54K | 2.9% |
| Germany | $34K | 1.8% |
| United Kingdom | $11K | 0.6% |
| China | $0K | 0% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa combed wool tops exports (HS 5105.29): 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 5105.29: Wool: wool tops and other combed wool, other than in fragments.
Common questions
What is the value of combed wool tops exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported combed wool tops worth $6.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 276 tonnes. That ranks it 11th of 78 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 22% on 2023.
Which countries buy combed wool tops from South Africa?
Taiwan was the largest buyer with 81% of the value ($5.2 million), followed by India (15%) and Poland (3%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 22 buyer countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 441% on the year.
What is the average export price of combed wool tops per kg?
The average declared export value was about $23.39 per kg in 2024, 120% above the world average of $10.64 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of combed wool tops from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $35.5 million in 2017 to $6.4 million in 2024, a fall of 82%. The peak was 2017 at $35.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $10.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also import combed wool tops?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.9 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 $4.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for combed wool tops?
The HS code for combed wool tops is subheading 5105.29. 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?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
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