Furnishing textile imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported furnishing textile worth $71.2 million (4.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. Value rose 24% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 14% a year on average.
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 | $71.2M | 4.8K t |
| 2023 | $57.6M | 5.2K t |
| 2022 | $48.6M | 5.3K t |
| 2021 | $62.5M | 4.5K t |
| 2020 | $35.6M | 4.0K t |
| 2019 | $46.5M | 5.2K t |
| 2018 | $47.0M | 5.1K t |
| 2017 | $28.7M | 3.4K t |
Where South Africa imports furnishing textile from
One supplier dominates: Lesotho accounted for 70% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Lesotho grew fastest (+54% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | $50.0M | 70% |
| China | $12.7M | 18% |
| India | $7.2M | 10% |
| Malaysia | $508K | 0.7% |
| Italy | $157K | 0.2% |
| Turkey | $121K | 0.2% |
| Portugal | $97K | 0.1% |
| Pakistan | $82K | 0.1% |
| Bangladesh | $67K | 0.1% |
| United States | $63K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 6304
| 6304.93 | Furnishing articles: of synthetic fibres, not knitted or crocheted (excluding bedspreads and articles of heading no. 9404) | 63% |
| 6304.99 | Furnishing articles: of textile materials other than cotton or synthetic fibres, not knitted or crocheted (excluding bedspreads and articles of… | 23% |
| 6304.92 | Furnishing articles: of cotton, not knitted or crocheted (excluding bedspreads and articles of heading no. 9404) | 7.2% |
| 6304.91 | Furnishing articles: excluding those of heading no. 9404, n.e.c. in heading 6304, knitted or crocheted | 4.1% |
| 6304.19 | Bedspreads: not knitted or crocheted | 2.3% |
| 6304.11 | Bedspreads: knitted or crocheted | 0.6% |
| 6304.20 | Furnishing articles: excluding those of heading no. 9404, bed nets, specified in Subheading Note 1 to this Chapter | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6304.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $14.73 per kg, 89% above the world average of $7.81. 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.
Furnishing textile exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported furnishing textile worth $10.4 million (1.5 thousand tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Lesotho accounted for 59% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+150% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | $6.2M | 59% |
| Namibia | $879K | 8.4% |
| Mozambique | $533K | 5.1% |
| Botswana | $450K | 4.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $400K | 3.8% |
| Eswatini | $371K | 3.6% |
| Zambia | $283K | 2.7% |
| United States | $218K | 2.1% |
| Tanzania | $164K | 1.6% |
| DR Congo | $117K | 1.1% |
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 6304: Furnishing articles; excluding those of heading no. 9404.
Common questions
What is the value of furnishing textile imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported furnishing textile worth $71.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 13th of 221 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 24% on 2023.
Which countries supply furnishing textile to South Africa?
Lesotho was the largest supplier with 70% of the value ($50.0 million), followed by China (18%) and India (10%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 63 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 219% on the year.
What is the average import price of furnishing textile per kg?
The average declared import value was about $14.73 per kg in 2024, 89% above the world average of $7.81 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 furnishing textile to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $28.7 million in 2017 to $71.2 million in 2024, an increase of 148%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export furnishing textile?
Yes. South Africa exported $10.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Lesotho, Namibia and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $60.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for furnishing textile?
The HS code for furnishing textile is heading 6304. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 6304.93 (63% of the value) and 6304.99 (23%). It sits in HS chapter 63 (textiles, made up articles; sets; worn clothing and worn textile articles; rags). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6304 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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