Cotton baby garments imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported cotton baby garments worth $12.8 million (744 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 8% from 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 | $12.8M | 744 t |
| 2023 | $13.9M | 811 t |
| 2022 | $12.4M | 721 t |
| 2021 | $13.4M | 770 t |
| 2020 | $12.2M | 801 t |
| 2019 | $13.3M | 884 t |
| 2018 | $12.5M | 875 t |
| 2017 | $13.8M | 952 t |
Where South Africa imports cotton baby garments from
China alone supplied 76% of it. Among the main suppliers, Eswatini grew fastest (+322% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $9.7M | 76% |
| Bangladesh | $769K | 6% |
| India | $766K | 6% |
| Eswatini | $722K | 5.7% |
| Madagascar | $431K | 3.4% |
| Lesotho | $216K | 1.7% |
| Italy | $52K | 0.4% |
| Turkey | $50K | 0.4% |
| Myanmar | $16K | 0.1% |
| Morocco | $12K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $17.19 per kg, 31% below the world average of $24.76, 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.
Cotton baby garments exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $2.2 million of cotton baby garments in 2024 (99 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (34%), Botswana (28%), Lesotho (14%). Among the main buyer markets, Kenya grew fastest (+94% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $749K | 34% |
| Botswana | $603K | 28% |
| Lesotho | $309K | 14% |
| Eswatini | $258K | 12% |
| Zambia | $72K | 3.3% |
| Kenya | $53K | 2.4% |
| Mozambique | $42K | 1.9% |
| Mauritius | $21K | 0.9% |
| Angola | $19K | 0.9% |
| Tanzania | $13K | 0.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa cotton baby garments imports (HS 6209.20): 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 6209.20: Garments and clothing accessories: babies', of cotton (not knitted or crocheted).
Common questions
What is the value of cotton baby garments imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported cotton baby garments worth $12.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 744 tonnes. That ranks it 18th of 206 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 8% on 2023.
Which countries supply cotton baby garments to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 76% of the value ($9.7 million), followed by Bangladesh (6%) and India (6%). The top three together account for 88%, out of 52 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 948% on the year.
What is the average import price of cotton baby garments per kg?
The average declared import value was about $17.19 per kg in 2024, 31% below the world average of $24.76 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of cotton baby garments to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $13.8 million in 2017 to $12.8 million in 2024, a fall of 8%. The peak was 2023 at $13.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $13.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export cotton baby garments?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Lesotho. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $10.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for cotton baby garments?
The HS code for cotton baby garments is subheading 6209.20. 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 6209 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.
Same product, other countries
World cotton baby garments trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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