Knitted pile fabric imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $98.6 million of knitted pile fabric in 2024 (15.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. Value rose 16% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 18% a year on average.
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 | $98.6M | 15.2K t |
| 2023 | $85.2M | 12.0K t |
| 2022 | $103.2M | 15.7K t |
| 2021 | $100.2M | 13.7K t |
| 2020 | $58.9M | 11.1K t |
| 2019 | $65.7M | 12.0K t |
| 2018 | $36.8M | 11.8K t |
| 2017 | $31.0M | 10.5K t |
Where South Africa imports knitted pile fabric from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 97% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $95.9M | 97% |
| India | $1.2M | 1.2% |
| Thailand | $630K | 0.6% |
| United Kingdom | $258K | 0.3% |
| Turkey | $175K | 0.2% |
| Eswatini | $78K | 0.1% |
| Taiwan | $69K | 0.1% |
| Italy | $50K | 0.1% |
| Spain | $48K | 0.1% |
| United States | $45K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 6001
| 6001.92 | Fabrics: pile fabrics (excluding long pile and loop pile), of man-made fibres, knitted or crocheted | 78% |
| 6001.10 | Fabrics: long pile fabrics, knitted or crocheted | 17% |
| 6001.22 | Fabrics: looped pile fabrics, of man-made fibres, knitted or crocheted | 3.3% |
| 6001.99 | Fabrics: pile fabrics (excluding long pile and loop pile), of textile materials (other than cotton or man-made fibres), knitted or crocheted | 1.2% |
| 6001.91 | Fabrics: pile fabrics (excluding long pile and loop pile), of cotton, knitted or crocheted | 0.8% |
| 6001.21 | Fabrics: looped pile fabrics, of cotton, knitted or crocheted | 0.2% |
| 6001.29 | Fabrics: looped pile fabrics, of textile materials (other than cotton or man-made fibres), knitted or crocheted | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6001.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.50 per kg, 46% above the world average of $4.44. 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.
Knitted pile fabric exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $4.9 million of knitted pile fabric in 2024 (645 tonnes). Most of it went to Eswatini (34%), Botswana (33%), Lesotho (18%). Among the main buyer markets, Seychelles grew fastest (+400% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $1.7M | 34% |
| Botswana | $1.6M | 33% |
| Lesotho | $903K | 18% |
| Zimbabwe | $417K | 8.5% |
| Seychelles | $137K | 2.8% |
| Namibia | $59K | 1.2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $22K | 0.5% |
| Mozambique | $16K | 0.3% |
| DR Congo | $11K | 0.2% |
| France | $10K | 0.2% |
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 6001: Fabrics; pile fabrics, including long pile fabrics and terry fabrics, knitted or crocheted.
Common questions
What is the value of knitted pile fabric imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported knitted pile fabric worth $98.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 15.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 16th of 198 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 16% on 2023.
Which countries supply knitted pile fabric to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 97% of the value ($95.9 million), followed by India (1%) and Thailand (1%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 48 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 366% on the year.
What is the average import price of knitted pile fabric per kg?
The average declared import value was about $6.50 per kg in 2024, 46% above the world average of $4.44 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 knitted pile fabric to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $31.0 million in 2017 to $98.6 million in 2024, an increase of 218%. The peak was 2022 at $103.2 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export knitted pile fabric?
Yes. South Africa exported $4.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Eswatini, Botswana and Lesotho. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $93.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for knitted pile fabric?
The HS code for knitted pile fabric is heading 6001. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 6001.92 (78% of the value) and 6001.10 (17%). It sits in HS chapter 60 (fabrics; knitted or crocheted). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6001 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.
More trade data for South Africa
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