Cotton knit garments imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of cotton knit garments by South Africa reached $3.3 million in 2024 (137 tonnes). Value fell 80% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 19% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $16.0 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3.3M | 137 t |
| 2023 | $16.0M | 1.2K t |
| 2022 | $3.9M | 160 t |
| 2021 | $3.6M | 237 t |
| 2020 | $2.5M | 1.8K t |
| 2019 | $6.5M | 282 t |
| 2018 | $5.1M | 2.2K t |
| 2017 | $14.2M | 1.8K t |
Where South Africa imports cotton knit garments from
The largest suppliers were Malaysia (31%), China (21%), Madagascar (12%). Among the main suppliers, Cambodia grew fastest (+84% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | $1.0M | 31% |
| China | $672K | 21% |
| Madagascar | $388K | 12% |
| Mauritius | $383K | 12% |
| Bangladesh | $290K | 8.9% |
| India | $169K | 5.2% |
| Cambodia | $85K | 2.6% |
| Sri Lanka | $32K | 1% |
| Turkey | $32K | 1% |
| Vietnam | $26K | 0.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $23.75 per kg, close to the world average of $20.71.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Cotton knit garments exports from South Africa
Exports of cotton knit garments by South Africa reached $661 thousand in 2024 (59 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (31%), Botswana (22%), Zambia (14%). Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+265% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $206K | 31% |
| Botswana | $146K | 22% |
| Zambia | $89K | 14% |
| Lesotho | $71K | 11% |
| Eswatini | $42K | 6.3% |
| Burkina Faso | $40K | 6.1% |
| United States | $15K | 2.2% |
| United Kingdom | $8K | 1.1% |
| Hong Kong | $7K | 1.1% |
| Kenya | $5K | 0.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa cotton knit garments imports (HS 6114.20): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 6114.20: Garments: of cotton, knitted or crocheted, n.e.c. in chapter 61.
Common questions
What is the value of cotton knit garments imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported cotton knit garments worth $3.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 137 tonnes. That ranks it 62nd of 212 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 80% on 2023.
Which countries supply cotton knit garments to South Africa?
Malaysia was the largest supplier with 31% of the value ($1.0 million), followed by China (21%) and Madagascar (12%). The top three together account for 64%, out of 65 supplier countries in total. Cambodia grew fastest among the top ten, up 84% on the year.
What is the average import price of cotton knit garments per kg?
The average declared import value was about $23.75 per kg in 2024, 15% above the world average of $20.71 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of cotton knit garments to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $14.2 million in 2017 to $3.3 million in 2024, a fall of 77%. The peak was 2023 at $16.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export cotton knit garments?
Yes. South Africa exported $661 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for cotton knit garments?
The HS code for cotton knit garments is subheading 6114.20. It sits in HS chapter 61 (apparel and clothing accessories; knitted or crocheted). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6114 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World cotton knit garments trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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