Embroidered fabric imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of embroidered fabric by South Africa reached $7.4 million in 2024 (173 tonnes). That is 13% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $10.1 million.
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 | $7.4M | 173 t |
| 2023 | $8.5M | 175 t |
| 2022 | $10.1M | 238 t |
| 2021 | $8.8M | 149 t |
| 2020 | $2.8M | 409 t |
| 2019 | $6.8M | 542 t |
| 2018 | $7.9M | 528 t |
| 2017 | $8.4M | 720 t |
Where South Africa imports embroidered fabric from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 94% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $6.9M | 94% |
| India | $264K | 3.6% |
| Hong Kong | $34K | 0.5% |
| United Kingdom | $28K | 0.4% |
| France | $24K | 0.3% |
| Thailand | $24K | 0.3% |
| Pakistan | $11K | 0.2% |
| United States | $8K | 0.1% |
| Indonesia | $7K | 0.1% |
| Italy | $6K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 5810
| 5810.92 | Embroidery: with visible ground, of man-made fibres, in the piece, in strips or in motifs | 85% |
| 5810.91 | Embroidery: with visible ground, of cotton, in the piece, in strips or in motifs | 9.7% |
| 5810.99 | Embroidery: with visible ground, of textile materials (other than cotton and man-made fibres), in the piece, in strips or in motifs | 4.1% |
| 5810.10 | Embroidery: without visible ground, in the piece, in strips or in motifs | 0.8% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5810.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $42.52 per kg, 204% above the world average of $13.99. 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.
Embroidered fabric exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $394 thousand of embroidered fabric in 2024 (32 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (16%), Lesotho (12%), DR Congo (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 37%. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+653% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $65K | 16% |
| Lesotho | $48K | 12% |
| DR Congo | $36K | 9% |
| United States | $35K | 8.9% |
| United Kingdom | $29K | 7.4% |
| Botswana | $28K | 7% |
| Eswatini | $19K | 4.8% |
| Qatar | $19K | 4.8% |
| Angola | $14K | 3.6% |
| Mozambique | $10K | 2.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 5810: Embroidery; in the piece, in strips or in motifs.
Common questions
What is the value of embroidered fabric imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported embroidered fabric worth $7.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 173 tonnes. That ranks it 47th of 207 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 13% on 2023.
Which countries supply embroidered fabric to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 94% of the value ($6.9 million), followed by India (4%) and Hong Kong (0%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 46 supplier countries in total. Indonesia grew fastest among the top ten, up 716% on the year.
What is the average import price of embroidered fabric per kg?
The average declared import value was about $42.52 per kg in 2024, 204% above the world average of $13.99 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of embroidered fabric to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $8.4 million in 2017 to $7.4 million in 2024, a fall of 12%. The peak was 2022 at $10.1 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export embroidered fabric?
Yes. South Africa exported $394 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Lesotho and the DR Congo. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $7.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for embroidered fabric?
The HS code for embroidered fabric is heading 5810. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 5810.92 (85% of the value) and 5810.91 (10%). It sits in HS chapter 58 (fabrics; special woven fabrics, tufted textile fabrics, lace, tapestries, trimmings, embroidery). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5810 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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