Hemp fiber exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of hemp fiber by South Africa reached $6.3 million in 2024 (65 tonnes). That makes it the 6th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 76 countries. That is 99% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 143% a year on average.
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 | $6.3M | 65 t |
| 2023 | $3.2M | 424 t |
| 2022 | $1.4M | 34 t |
| 2021 | $1.3M | 12 t |
| 2020 | $27K | 12 t |
| 2019 | $53K | 11 t |
| 2018 | $25K | 9 t |
| 2017 | $12K | 7 t |
Where South Africa exports hemp fiber to
One buyer market dominates: Australia accounted for 68% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Australia grew fastest (+254% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | $4.3M | 68% |
| Portugal | $1.4M | 22% |
| Germany | $452K | 7.2% |
| Netherlands | $115K | 1.8% |
| United States | $31K | 0.5% |
| Namibia | $11K | 0.2% |
| Lesotho | $5K | 0.1% |
| Botswana | $5K | 0.1% |
| Israel | $4K | 0.1% |
| Eswatini | $4K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 5302
| 5302.90 | Hemp (cannabis sativa L.): processed (other than retted) (but not spun), true hemp tow and waste (including yarn waste and garnetted stock) | 78% |
| 5302.10 | Hemp (cannabis sativa L.): raw or retted, but not spun | 22% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5302.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $96.71 per kg, 5458% above the world average of $1.74. 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.
Hemp fiber imports to South Africa
Imports of hemp fiber by South Africa reached $231 thousand in 2024 (147 tonnes). The largest suppliers were United Kingdom (36%), Lesotho (33%), China (24%). Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $83K | 36% |
| Lesotho | $77K | 33% |
| China | $55K | 24% |
| United States | $10K | 4.2% |
| Czech Republic | $3K | 1.2% |
| Malawi | $1K | 0.6% |
| Hungary | $1K | 0.5% |
| India | $1K | 0.3% |
| France | $0K | 0.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $0K | 0% |
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 5302: True hemp (cannabis sativa L.), raw or processed but not spun; tow and waste of true hemp (including yarn waste and garnetted stock).
Common questions
What is the value of hemp fiber exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported hemp fiber worth $6.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 65 tonnes. That ranks it 6th of 76 countries worldwide, with 6% of world exports. The value was up 99% on 2023.
Which countries buy hemp fiber from South Africa?
Australia was the largest buyer with 68% of the value ($4.3 million), followed by Portugal (22%) and Germany (7%). The top three together account for 97%, out of 23 buyer countries in total. Australia grew fastest among the top ten, up 254% on the year.
What is the average export price of hemp fiber per kg?
The average declared export value was about $96.71 per kg in 2024, 5458% above the world average of $1.74 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 exports of hemp fiber from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $12 thousand in 2017 to $6.3 million in 2024. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import hemp fiber?
Yes. South Africa imported $231 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United Kingdom, Lesotho and China. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $6.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for hemp fiber?
The HS code for hemp fiber is heading 5302. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 5302.90 (78% of the value) and 5302.10 (22%). It sits in HS chapter 53 (vegetable textile fibres; paper yarn and woven fabrics of paper yarn). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5302 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.
Same product, other countries
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