Knit gloves imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of knit gloves by South Africa reached $32.4 million in 2024 (2.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 22% on 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 | $32.4M | 2.5K t |
| 2023 | $26.6M | 1.8K t |
| 2022 | $17.3M | 1.8K t |
| 2021 | $16.9M | 1.9K t |
| 2020 | $20.7M | 1.6K t |
| 2019 | $22.7M | 1.7K t |
| 2018 | $16.2M | 1.7K t |
| 2017 | $24.8M | 2.0K t |
Where South Africa imports knit gloves from
China alone supplied 76% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $24.8M | 76% |
| Pakistan | $2.9M | 8.9% |
| Sri Lanka | $2.1M | 6.5% |
| Belgium | $447K | 1.4% |
| Germany | $431K | 1.3% |
| Vietnam | $430K | 1.3% |
| Portugal | $324K | 1% |
| Norway | $172K | 0.5% |
| Bangladesh | $135K | 0.4% |
| Malaysia | $122K | 0.4% |
Product types under HS 6116
| 6116.10 | Gloves, mittens and mitts: knitted or crocheted, impregnated, coated or covered with plastics or rubber | 79% |
| 6116.93 | Gloves, mittens and mitts: of synthetic fibres, knitted or crocheted, (other than impregnated, coated or covered with plastics or rubber) | 15% |
| 6116.92 | Gloves, mittens and mitts: of cotton, knitted or crocheted, (other than impregnated, coated or covered with plastics or rubber) | 3.4% |
| 6116.99 | Gloves, mittens and mitts: of textile materials (other than wool or fine animal hair, cotton or synthetic fibres), knitted or crocheted, (other than… | 2.7% |
| 6116.91 | Gloves, mittens and mitts: of wool or fine animal hair, knitted or crocheted, (other than impregnated, coated or covered with plastics or rubber) | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6116.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $12.92 per kg, close to the world average of $12.32.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Knit gloves exports from South Africa
Exports of knit gloves by South Africa reached $4.1 million in 2024 (611 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (30%), Zimbabwe (18%), Botswana (17%). Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+45% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $1.2M | 30% |
| Zimbabwe | $731K | 18% |
| Botswana | $715K | 17% |
| Lesotho | $276K | 6.7% |
| Zambia | $261K | 6.4% |
| DR Congo | $243K | 5.9% |
| Eswatini | $184K | 4.5% |
| Mozambique | $98K | 2.4% |
| Malawi | $89K | 2.2% |
| Tanzania | $55K | 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
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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 6116: Gloves, mittens and mitts; knitted or crocheted.
Common questions
What is the value of knit gloves imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported knit gloves worth $32.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 32nd of 220 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 22% on 2023.
Which countries supply knit gloves to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 76% of the value ($24.8 million), followed by Pakistan (9%) and Sri Lanka (6%). The top three together account for 92%, out of 71 supplier countries in total. Portugal grew fastest among the top ten, up 57% on the year.
What is the average import price of knit gloves per kg?
The average declared import value was about $12.92 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $12.32 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 gloves to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $24.8 million in 2017 to $32.4 million in 2024, an increase of 31%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export knit gloves?
Yes. South Africa exported $4.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $28.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for knit gloves?
The HS code for knit gloves is heading 6116. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 6116.10 (79% of the value) and 6116.93 (15%). It sits in HS chapter 61 (apparel and clothing accessories; knitted or crocheted). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6116 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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