Knit garment imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported knit garment worth $17.3 million (1.0 thousand tonnes). That is 36% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $27.1 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 | $17.3M | 1.0K t |
| 2023 | $27.1M | 2.0K t |
| 2022 | $24.1M | 759 t |
| 2021 | $22.9M | 858 t |
| 2020 | $16.3M | 2.3K t |
| 2019 | $21.5M | 817 t |
| 2018 | $12.7M | 2.8K t |
| 2017 | $22.1M | 2.6K t |
Where South Africa imports knit garment from
China alone supplied 50% of it. Among the main suppliers, Lesotho grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $8.7M | 50% |
| Lesotho | $1.9M | 11% |
| Vietnam | $1.0M | 5.9% |
| Malaysia | $1.0M | 5.9% |
| Mauritius | $818K | 4.7% |
| Bangladesh | $629K | 3.6% |
| India | $526K | 3% |
| Madagascar | $447K | 2.6% |
| Eswatini | $341K | 2% |
| Turkey | $275K | 1.6% |
Product types under HS 6114
| 6114.30 | Garments: of man-made fibres, knitted or crocheted, n.e.c. in chapter 61 | 61% |
| 6114.90 | Garments: of textile materials (other than cotton or man-made fibres), knitted or crocheted, n.e.c. in chapter 61 | 20% |
| 6114.20 | Garments: of cotton, knitted or crocheted, n.e.c. in chapter 61 | 19% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6114.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $17.07 per kg, 29% below the world average of $24.08, 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.
Knit garment exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported knit garment worth $2.9 million (271 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (28%), Botswana (24%), Eswatini (9%). Among the main buyer markets, Hong Kong grew fastest (+255% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $810K | 28% |
| Botswana | $693K | 24% |
| Eswatini | $261K | 9.1% |
| Lesotho | $249K | 8.7% |
| Zambia | $205K | 7.2% |
| Mozambique | $84K | 2.9% |
| France | $81K | 2.8% |
| Hong Kong | $44K | 1.6% |
| Burkina Faso | $40K | 1.4% |
| Kenya | $37K | 1.3% |
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 6114: Garments; knitted or crocheted, n.e.c. in chapter 61.
Common questions
What is the value of knit garment imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported knit garment worth $17.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 50th of 219 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 36% on 2023.
Which countries supply knit garment to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 50% of the value ($8.7 million), followed by Lesotho (11%) and Vietnam (6%). The top three together account for 67%, out of 100 supplier countries in total. Mauritius grew fastest among the top ten, up 125% on the year.
What is the average import price of knit garment per kg?
The average declared import value was about $17.07 per kg in 2024, 29% below the world average of $24.08 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 garment to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $22.1 million in 2017 to $17.3 million in 2024, a fall of 22%. The peak was 2023 at $27.1 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export knit garment?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $14.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for knit garment?
The HS code for knit garment is heading 6114. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 6114.30 (61% of the value) and 6114.90 (20%). It sits in HS chapter 61 (apparel and clothing accessories; knitted or crocheted). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6114 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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