Cotton knit t-shirt imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $167.2 million of cotton knit t-shirt in 2024 (7.6 thousand tonnes). That is 10% more than in 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 | $167.2M | 7.6K t |
| 2023 | $152.2M | 5.6K t |
| 2022 | $177.5M | 5.7K t |
| 2021 | $169.8M | 6.2K t |
| 2020 | $122.1M | 4.6K t |
| 2019 | $148.3M | 6.4K t |
| 2018 | $141.1M | 5.7K t |
| 2017 | $138.2M | 5.6K t |
Where South Africa imports cotton knit t-shirt from
The largest suppliers were Madagascar (25%), Mauritius (15%), China (15%). Among the main suppliers, Vietnam grew fastest (+64% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Madagascar | $41.1M | 25% |
| Mauritius | $25.5M | 15% |
| China | $24.3M | 15% |
| Bangladesh | $15.4M | 9.2% |
| India | $14.1M | 8.4% |
| Lesotho | $12.2M | 7.3% |
| Eswatini | $7.8M | 4.7% |
| Italy | $4.3M | 2.6% |
| Vietnam | $3.9M | 2.4% |
| Portugal | $2.6M | 1.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $21.97 per kg, close to the world average of $20.53.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Cotton knit t-shirt exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported cotton knit t-shirt worth $26.6 million (992 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (30%), Botswana (28%), Eswatini (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+37% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $8.0M | 30% |
| Botswana | $7.3M | 28% |
| Eswatini | $2.9M | 11% |
| Lesotho | $1.9M | 7.3% |
| Mozambique | $1.2M | 4.6% |
| Zambia | $1.2M | 4.5% |
| Kenya | $778K | 2.9% |
| Mauritius | $378K | 1.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $319K | 1.2% |
| Ghana | $294K | 1.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa cotton knit t-shirt imports (HS 6109.10): 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 6109.10: T-shirts, singlets and other vests: of cotton, knitted or crocheted.
Common questions
What is the value of cotton knit t-shirt imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported cotton knit t-shirt worth $167.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 43rd of 224 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 10% on 2023.
Which countries supply cotton knit t-shirt to South Africa?
Madagascar was the largest supplier with 25% of the value ($41.1 million), followed by Mauritius (15%) and China (15%). The top three together account for 54%, out of 130 supplier countries in total. Vietnam grew fastest among the top ten, up 64% on the year.
What is the average import price of cotton knit t-shirt per kg?
The average declared import value was about $21.97 per kg in 2024, 7% above the world average of $20.53 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of cotton knit t-shirt to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $138.2 million in 2017 to $167.2 million in 2024, an increase of 21%. The peak was 2022 at $177.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $152.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export cotton knit t-shirt?
Yes. South Africa exported $26.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $140.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for cotton knit t-shirt?
The HS code for cotton knit t-shirt is subheading 6109.10. It sits in HS chapter 61 (apparel and clothing accessories; knitted or crocheted). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6109 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World cotton knit t-shirt trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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