Heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric by South Africa reached $11.0 million in 2024 (3.2 thousand tonnes). Value rose 30% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $15.5 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 | $11.0M | 3.2K t |
| 2023 | $8.5M | 1.8K t |
| 2022 | $9.1M | 1.8K t |
| 2021 | $9.4M | 1.9K t |
| 2020 | $9.5M | 2.2K t |
| 2019 | $13.4M | 2.8K t |
| 2018 | $15.5M | 2.8K t |
| 2017 | $12.4M | 2.6K t |
Where South Africa imports heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric from
The largest suppliers were Germany (32%), China (24%), Spain (19%). Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+241% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $3.5M | 32% |
| China | $2.7M | 24% |
| Spain | $2.1M | 19% |
| Netherlands | $518K | 4.7% |
| Taiwan | $516K | 4.7% |
| Italy | $402K | 3.6% |
| Turkey | $299K | 2.7% |
| South Korea | $225K | 2% |
| Luxembourg | $206K | 1.9% |
| United States | $206K | 1.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.43 per kg, 27% below the world average of $4.70, 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.
Heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric exports from South Africa
Exports of heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric by South Africa reached $9.4 million in 2024 (2.9 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Lesotho (40%), United Kingdom (37%), Germany (17%). Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | $3.7M | 40% |
| United Kingdom | $3.5M | 37% |
| Germany | $1.6M | 17% |
| Namibia | $136K | 1.4% |
| Ireland | $131K | 1.4% |
| Argentina | $115K | 1.2% |
| Mozambique | $47K | 0.5% |
| Mauritius | $42K | 0.5% |
| Norway | $39K | 0.4% |
| Madagascar | $11K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric imports (HS 5603.13): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 5603.13: Nonwovens: whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, of man-made filaments, (weighing more than 70g/m2 but not more than 150g/m2).
Common questions
What is the value of heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric worth $11.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 49th of 199 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 30% on 2023.
Which countries supply heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 32% of the value ($3.5 million), followed by China (24%) and Spain (19%). The top three together account for 75%, out of 24 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 241% on the year.
What is the average import price of heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.43 per kg in 2024, 27% below the world average of $4.70 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $12.4 million in 2017 to $11.0 million in 2024, a fall of 11%. The peak was 2018 at $15.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $11.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric?
Yes. South Africa exported $9.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Lesotho, the United Kingdom and Germany. That compares with imports of $11.0 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric?
The HS code for heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric is subheading 5603.13. 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 5603 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric trade: top importers and exporters
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