Cotton wadding imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported cotton wadding worth $6.8 million (1.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 26% on 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 | $6.8M | 1.1K t |
| 2023 | $5.4M | 880 t |
| 2022 | $5.3M | 954 t |
| 2021 | $5.3M | 1.1K t |
| 2020 | $6.0M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $5.4M | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $6.1M | 1.2K t |
| 2017 | $5.6M | 1.1K t |
Where South Africa imports cotton wadding from
Most of the value came from India (39%), China (38%), Thailand (12%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $2.7M | 39% |
| China | $2.6M | 38% |
| Thailand | $784K | 12% |
| Italy | $478K | 7% |
| Netherlands | $58K | 0.9% |
| Turkey | $48K | 0.7% |
| Singapore | $46K | 0.7% |
| France | $43K | 0.6% |
| Portugal | $24K | 0.4% |
| United States | $20K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.21 per kg, 32% above the world average of $4.70. 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.
Cotton wadding exports from South Africa
Exports of cotton wadding by South Africa reached $936 thousand in 2024 (192 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (41%), Botswana (28%), Eswatini (9%). Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+44% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $386K | 41% |
| Botswana | $266K | 28% |
| Eswatini | $81K | 8.6% |
| Zambia | $50K | 5.3% |
| Lesotho | $39K | 4.2% |
| Mozambique | $36K | 3.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $23K | 2.4% |
| Malawi | $20K | 2.2% |
| Angola | $15K | 1.6% |
| Ghana | $8K | 0.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa cotton wadding imports (HS 5601.21): 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 5601.21: Wadding: other articles thereof, of cotton.
Common questions
What is the value of cotton wadding imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported cotton wadding worth $6.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 38th of 215 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 26% on 2023.
Which countries supply cotton wadding to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 39% of the value ($2.7 million), followed by China (38%) and Thailand (12%). The top three together account for 89%, out of 36 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 821% on the year.
What is the average import price of cotton wadding per kg?
The average declared import value was about $6.21 per kg in 2024, 32% above the world average of $4.70 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of cotton wadding to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.6 million in 2017 to $6.8 million in 2024, an increase of 21%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $5.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export cotton wadding?
Yes. South Africa exported $936 thousand 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 $5.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for cotton wadding?
The HS code for cotton wadding is subheading 5601.21. It sits in HS chapter 56 (wadding, felt and nonwovens, special yarns; twine, cordage, ropes and cables and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5601 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.
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