Garment and accessory parts exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported garment and accessory parts worth $8.6 million (1.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. 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 $27.2 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $8.6M | 1.4K t |
| 2023 | $8.9M | 1.5K t |
| 2022 | $12.8M | 1.9K t |
| 2021 | $27.2M | 1.6K t |
| 2020 | $11.0M | 810 t |
| 2019 | $15.8M | 1.3K t |
| 2018 | $9.7M | 1.3K t |
| 2017 | $11.2M | 1.5K t |
Where South Africa exports garment and accessory parts to
One buyer market dominates: Lesotho accounted for 96% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | $8.3M | 96% |
| Namibia | $60K | 0.7% |
| Eswatini | $56K | 0.7% |
| Canada | $54K | 0.6% |
| Botswana | $29K | 0.3% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $28K | 0.3% |
| Seychelles | $23K | 0.3% |
| Nigeria | $8K | 0.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $7K | 0.1% |
| Italy | $6K | 0.1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.33 per kg, 71% below the world average of $21.51, 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.
Garment and accessory parts imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported garment and accessory parts worth $291 thousand (23 tonnes). Most of the value came from China (41%), Pakistan (23%), Italy (18%). Among the main suppliers, Pakistan grew fastest (+130% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $120K | 41% |
| Pakistan | $68K | 23% |
| Italy | $52K | 18% |
| United States | $13K | 4.3% |
| United Kingdom | $5K | 1.6% |
| Lesotho | $5K | 1.6% |
| Germany | $3K | 1% |
| India | $3K | 1% |
| France | $3K | 0.9% |
| Portugal | $2K | 0.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa garment and accessory parts exports (HS 6217.90): 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 6217.90: Clothing: parts of garments or of clothing accessories, other than those of heading no. 6212 (not knitted or crocheted).
Common questions
What is the value of garment and accessory parts exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported garment and accessory parts worth $8.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 18th of 155 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 3% on 2023.
Which countries buy garment and accessory parts from South Africa?
Lesotho was the largest buyer with 96% of the value ($8.3 million), followed by Namibia (1%) and Eswatini (1%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 38 buyer countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 484% on the year.
What is the average export price of garment and accessory parts per kg?
The average declared export value was about $6.33 per kg in 2024, 71% below the world average of $21.51 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of garment and accessory parts from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $11.2 million in 2017 to $8.6 million in 2024, a fall of 23%. The peak was 2021 at $27.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $13.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also import garment and accessory parts?
Yes. South Africa imported $291 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Pakistan and Italy. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $8.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for garment and accessory parts?
The HS code for garment and accessory parts is subheading 6217.90. 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 6217 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World garment and accessory parts trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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