Cotton women's dresses imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of cotton women's dresses by South Africa reached $20.8 million in 2024 (1.0 thousand tonnes). That is 22% 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 | $20.8M | 1.0K t |
| 2023 | $17.0M | 321 t |
| 2022 | $19.5M | 333 t |
| 2021 | $18.8M | 352 t |
| 2020 | $17.0M | 352 t |
| 2019 | $19.2M | 428 t |
| 2018 | $25.4M | 485 t |
| 2017 | $23.3M | 472 t |
Where South Africa imports cotton women's dresses from
Most of the value came from China (44%), India (32%), Lesotho (5%). Among the main suppliers, Madagascar grew fastest (+92% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $9.2M | 44% |
| India | $6.7M | 32% |
| Lesotho | $980K | 4.7% |
| Madagascar | $817K | 3.9% |
| Eswatini | $774K | 3.7% |
| Bangladesh | $471K | 2.3% |
| Italy | $374K | 1.8% |
| Turkey | $270K | 1.3% |
| Morocco | $236K | 1.1% |
| Mauritius | $127K | 0.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $20.34 per kg, 46% below the world average of $37.87, 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 women's dresses exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported cotton women's dresses worth $3.4 million (134 tonnes). Most of it went to Botswana (30%), Saudi Arabia (23%), Namibia (18%). Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest (+42% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $1.0M | 30% |
| Saudi Arabia | $782K | 23% |
| Namibia | $599K | 18% |
| Eswatini | $240K | 7.1% |
| Lesotho | $190K | 5.6% |
| Zambia | $119K | 3.5% |
| Kenya | $84K | 2.5% |
| Mozambique | $68K | 2% |
| Mauritius | $53K | 1.6% |
| Angola | $33K | 1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa cotton women's dresses imports (HS 6204.42): 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 6204.42: Dresses: women's or girls', of cotton (not knitted or crocheted).
Common questions
What is the value of cotton women's dresses imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported cotton women's dresses worth $20.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 41st of 218 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 22% on 2023.
Which countries supply cotton women's dresses to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 44% of the value ($9.2 million), followed by India (32%) and Lesotho (5%). The top three together account for 81%, out of 79 supplier countries in total. Mauritius grew fastest among the top ten, up 223% on the year.
What is the average import price of cotton women's dresses per kg?
The average declared import value was about $20.34 per kg in 2024, 46% below the world average of $37.87 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 women's dresses to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $23.3 million in 2017 to $20.8 million in 2024, a fall of 11%. The peak was 2018 at $25.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $20.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export cotton women's dresses?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Saudi Arabia and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $17.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for cotton women's dresses?
The HS code for cotton women's dresses is subheading 6204.42. 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 6204 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 women's dresses trade: top importers and exporters
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