Knit fabric imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of knit fabric by South Africa reached $151.7 million in 2024 (20.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 23% more than in 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 | $151.7M | 20.9K t |
| 2023 | $123.2M | 14.8K t |
| 2022 | $136.7M | 18.7K t |
| 2021 | $143.0M | 16.7K t |
| 2020 | $87.8M | 13.9K t |
| 2019 | $125.7M | 17.4K t |
| 2018 | $137.7M | 16.4K t |
| 2017 | $137.8M | 14.8K t |
Where South Africa imports knit fabric from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 73% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Mauritius grew fastest (+58% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $111.1M | 73% |
| Mauritius | $24.0M | 16% |
| Eswatini | $7.9M | 5.2% |
| India | $3.9M | 2.6% |
| Germany | $1.4M | 0.9% |
| Turkey | $877K | 0.6% |
| Taiwan | $652K | 0.4% |
| Thailand | $628K | 0.4% |
| Lesotho | $390K | 0.3% |
| Pakistan | $212K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 6006
| 6006.32 | Fabrics: knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of synthetic fibres, dyed | 48% |
| 6006.22 | Fabrics: knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of cotton, dyed | 24% |
| 6006.34 | Fabrics: knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of synthetic fibres, printed | 9.9% |
| 6006.21 | Fabrics: knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of cotton, unbleached or bleached | 6.1% |
| 6006.31 | Fabrics: knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of synthetic fibres, unbleached or bleached | 3.5% |
| 6006.42 | Fabrics: knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of artificial fibres, dyed | 2.7% |
| 6006.33 | Fabrics: knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of synthetic fibres, of yarns of different colours | 1.9% |
| 6006.90 | Fabrics: knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04,and other than those made of wool, fine animal hair, cotton… | 1.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6006.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.28 per kg, 20% above the world average of $6.06. 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.
Knit fabric exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $18.0 million of knit fabric in 2024 (2.1 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Lesotho (32%), Eswatini (25%), Australia (17%). Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+172% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | $5.7M | 32% |
| Eswatini | $4.5M | 25% |
| Australia | $3.1M | 17% |
| United States | $2.4M | 13% |
| Namibia | $499K | 2.8% |
| Botswana | $346K | 1.9% |
| Zimbabwe | $218K | 1.2% |
| Cyprus | $212K | 1.2% |
| Israel | $167K | 0.9% |
| Zambia | $141K | 0.8% |
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
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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 6006: Fabrics; knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04.
Common questions
What is the value of knit fabric imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported knit fabric worth $151.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 20.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 26th of 211 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 23% on 2023.
Which countries supply knit fabric to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 73% of the value ($111.1 million), followed by Mauritius (16%) and Eswatini (5%). The top three together account for 94%, out of 56 supplier countries in total. Mauritius grew fastest among the top ten, up 58% on the year.
What is the average import price of knit fabric per kg?
The average declared import value was about $7.28 per kg in 2024, 20% above the world average of $6.06 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 knit fabric to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $137.8 million in 2017 to $151.7 million in 2024, an increase of 10%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export knit fabric?
Yes. South Africa exported $18.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Lesotho, Eswatini and Australia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $133.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for knit fabric?
The HS code for knit fabric is heading 6006. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 6006.32 (48% of the value) and 6006.22 (24%). It sits in HS chapter 60 (fabrics; knitted or crocheted). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6006 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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