High-tenacity synthetic fabric imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of high-tenacity synthetic fabric by South Africa reached $5.5 million in 2024 (1.7 thousand tonnes). Value fell 10% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $5.5M | 1.7K t |
| 2023 | $6.0M | 1.3K t |
| 2022 | $5.5M | 1.2K t |
| 2021 | $5.2M | 1.3K t |
| 2020 | $3.1M | 920 t |
| 2019 | $6.4M | 1.6K t |
| 2018 | $5.6M | 1.2K t |
| 2017 | $4.6M | 703 t |
Where South Africa imports high-tenacity synthetic fabric from
The largest suppliers were China (24%), South Korea (23%), Vietnam (16%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+286% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.3M | 24% |
| South Korea | $1.2M | 23% |
| Vietnam | $880K | 16% |
| India | $490K | 9% |
| Sri Lanka | $341K | 6.2% |
| Germany | $227K | 4.2% |
| United States | $218K | 4% |
| Lesotho | $105K | 1.9% |
| Taiwan | $102K | 1.9% |
| France | $96K | 1.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.23 per kg, 57% below the world average of $7.58, 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.
High-tenacity synthetic fabric exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $2.5 million of high-tenacity synthetic fabric in 2024 (490 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Eswatini (45%), Zimbabwe (27%), Namibia (9%). Among the main buyer markets, Ghana grew fastest (+445% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $1.1M | 45% |
| Zimbabwe | $673K | 27% |
| Namibia | $219K | 8.7% |
| Lesotho | $109K | 4.4% |
| Botswana | $104K | 4.1% |
| Zambia | $94K | 3.7% |
| Ghana | $58K | 2.3% |
| Seychelles | $19K | 0.8% |
| Japan | $17K | 0.7% |
| Switzerland | $13K | 0.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa high-tenacity synthetic fabric imports (HS 5407.10): 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 5407.10: Fabrics, woven: from high tenacity yarn, of nylon, other polyamides or of polyesters.
Common questions
What is the value of high-tenacity synthetic fabric imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported high-tenacity synthetic fabric worth $5.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 51st of 203 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 10% on 2023.
Which countries supply high-tenacity synthetic fabric to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 24% of the value ($1.3 million), followed by South Korea (23%) and Vietnam (16%). The top three together account for 63%, out of 38 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 286% on the year.
What is the average import price of high-tenacity synthetic fabric per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.23 per kg in 2024, 57% below the world average of $7.58 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of high-tenacity synthetic fabric to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.6 million in 2017 to $5.5 million in 2024, an increase of 18%. The peak was 2019 at $6.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export high-tenacity synthetic fabric?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for high-tenacity synthetic fabric?
The HS code for high-tenacity synthetic fabric is subheading 5407.10. It sits in HS chapter 54 (man-made filaments; strip and the like of man-made textile materials). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5407 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 high-tenacity synthetic fabric trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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