Cotton men's trousers imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $212.4 million of cotton men's trousers in 2024 (13.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 4% 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 | $212.4M | 13.9K t |
| 2023 | $205.0M | 7.8K t |
| 2022 | $236.8M | 8.7K t |
| 2021 | $224.7M | 9.1K t |
| 2020 | $181.5M | 7.7K t |
| 2019 | $217.9M | 9.7K t |
| 2018 | $216.0M | 9.2K t |
| 2017 | $190.7M | 8.2K t |
Where South Africa imports cotton men's trousers from
Most of the value came from Mauritius (26%), China (20%), Eswatini (18%). Among the main suppliers, Eswatini grew fastest (+44% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritius | $56.0M | 26% |
| China | $42.7M | 20% |
| Eswatini | $39.2M | 19% |
| Madagascar | $23.5M | 11% |
| Bangladesh | $21.5M | 10% |
| Lesotho | $13.9M | 6.6% |
| Italy | $2.6M | 1.2% |
| India | $2.5M | 1.2% |
| Pakistan | $2.2M | 1% |
| Turkey | $1.7M | 0.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $15.25 per kg, 34% below the world average of $23.25, 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 men's trousers exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported cotton men's trousers worth $22.8 million (1.2 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Botswana (33%), Namibia (20%), Lesotho (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Mauritius grew fastest (+126% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $7.6M | 33% |
| Namibia | $4.6M | 20% |
| Lesotho | $2.6M | 11% |
| Eswatini | $2.4M | 10% |
| Mozambique | $1.1M | 4.9% |
| Kenya | $817K | 3.6% |
| Zambia | $783K | 3.4% |
| United Arab Emirates | $447K | 2% |
| Mauritius | $386K | 1.7% |
| Angola | $357K | 1.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa cotton men's trousers imports (HS 6203.42): 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 6203.42: Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: men's or boys', of cotton (not knitted or crocheted).
Common questions
What is the value of cotton men's trousers imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported cotton men's trousers worth $212.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 13.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 23rd of 225 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 4% on 2023.
Which countries supply cotton men's trousers to South Africa?
Mauritius was the largest supplier with 26% of the value ($56.0 million), followed by China (20%) and Eswatini (18%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 96 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 46% on the year.
What is the average import price of cotton men's trousers per kg?
The average declared import value was about $15.25 per kg in 2024, 34% below the world average of $23.25 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of cotton men's trousers to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $190.7 million in 2017 to $212.4 million in 2024, an increase of 11%. The peak was 2022 at $236.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $210.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export cotton men's trousers?
Yes. South Africa exported $22.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Namibia and Lesotho. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $189.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for cotton men's trousers?
The HS code for cotton men's trousers is subheading 6203.42. 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 6203 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 men's trousers trade: top importers and exporters
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