Fishing net imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $7.8 million of fishing net in 2024 (1.8 thousand tonnes). The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $11.9 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 | $7.8M | 1.8K t |
| 2023 | $7.6M | 1.6K t |
| 2022 | $10.1M | 2.0K t |
| 2021 | $11.9M | 1.9K t |
| 2020 | $8.5M | 1.8K t |
| 2019 | $7.7M | 1.6K t |
| 2018 | $9.0M | 1.5K t |
| 2017 | $7.8M | 1.3K t |
Where South Africa imports fishing net from
The largest suppliers were Hungary (22%), Italy (16%), Vietnam (13%). Among the main suppliers, Hungary grew fastest (+100% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Hungary | $1.7M | 22% |
| Italy | $1.2M | 16% |
| Vietnam | $983K | 13% |
| China | $960K | 12% |
| Portugal | $778K | 10% |
| India | $248K | 3.2% |
| Germany | $219K | 2.8% |
| Netherlands | $207K | 2.7% |
| Lithuania | $157K | 2% |
| Australia | $148K | 1.9% |
Product types under HS 5608
| 5608.19 | Twine, cordage or rope: knotted netting, for other than fishing, of man-made textile materials | 62% |
| 5608.90 | Twine, cordage or rope: knotted netting, of other than man-made textiles | 31% |
| 5608.11 | Twine, cordage or rope: fishing nets, made up, of man made textile materials | 8% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5608.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.41 per kg, close to the world average of $4.75.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Fishing net exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported fishing net worth $4.5 million (960 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (40%), Botswana (19%), Eswatini (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest (+48% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $1.8M | 40% |
| Botswana | $864K | 19% |
| Eswatini | $447K | 10% |
| Mozambique | $362K | 8.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $280K | 6.2% |
| Zambia | $259K | 5.8% |
| Lesotho | $189K | 4.2% |
| Peru | $53K | 1.2% |
| United States | $36K | 0.8% |
| Malawi | $28K | 0.6% |
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 5608: Twine, cordage or rope; knotted netting, made up fishing nets and other made up nets, of textile materials.
Common questions
What is the value of fishing net imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported fishing net worth $7.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 62nd of 219 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply fishing net to South Africa?
Hungary was the largest supplier with 22% of the value ($1.7 million), followed by Italy (16%) and Vietnam (13%). The top three together account for 51%, out of 49 supplier countries in total. Hungary grew fastest among the top ten, up 100% on the year.
What is the average import price of fishing net per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.41 per kg in 2024, 7% below the world average of $4.75 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 fishing net to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $7.8 million in 2017 to $7.8 million in 2024, a fall of 0%. The peak was 2021 at $11.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export fishing net?
Yes. South Africa exported $4.5 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 $3.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for fishing net?
The HS code for fishing net is heading 5608. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 5608.19 (62% of the value) and 5608.90 (30%). 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 5608 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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