Light nonwoven natural fabric imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of light nonwoven natural fabric by South Africa reached $9.0 million in 2024 (2.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 3%. Value rose 43% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 19% 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 | $9.0M | 2.8K t |
| 2023 | $6.3M | 1.5K t |
| 2022 | $3.7M | 1.1K t |
| 2021 | $2.6M | 1.0K t |
| 2020 | $1.7M | 594 t |
| 2019 | $3.6M | 1.2K t |
| 2018 | $3.3M | 981 t |
| 2017 | $2.6M | 804 t |
Where South Africa imports light nonwoven natural fabric from
The largest suppliers were Czech Republic (43%), China (33%), Germany (15%). Among the main suppliers, Czech Republic grew fastest (+289% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Czech Republic | $3.9M | 44% |
| China | $3.0M | 33% |
| Germany | $1.3M | 15% |
| United States | $493K | 5.5% |
| Taiwan | $138K | 1.5% |
| Italy | $72K | 0.8% |
| Denmark | $19K | 0.2% |
| Poland | $9K | 0.1% |
| United Kingdom | $5K | 0.1% |
| Sweden | $5K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.23 per kg, close to the world average of $3.20.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Light nonwoven natural fabric exports from South Africa
Exports of light nonwoven natural fabric by South Africa reached $213 thousand in 2024 (45 tonnes). Most of it went to Ghana (30%), Denmark (18%), Senegal (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest (+190% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ghana | $64K | 30% |
| Denmark | $38K | 18% |
| Senegal | $28K | 13% |
| Eswatini | $21K | 9.8% |
| Lesotho | $21K | 9.6% |
| Botswana | $13K | 6.2% |
| Indonesia | $8K | 3.6% |
| Israel | $7K | 3.2% |
| Namibia | $4K | 1.8% |
| Mozambique | $4K | 1.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa light nonwoven natural fabric imports (HS 5603.91): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 5603.91: Nonwovens: whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, not of man-made filaments, (weighing not more than 25g/m2).
Common questions
What is the value of light nonwoven natural fabric imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported light nonwoven natural fabric worth $9.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 11th of 177 countries worldwide, with 3% of world imports. The value was up 43% on 2023.
Which countries supply light nonwoven natural fabric to South Africa?
The Czech Republic was the largest supplier with 43% of the value ($3.9 million), followed by China (33%) and Germany (15%). The top three together account for 92%, out of 17 supplier countries in total. The Czech Republic grew fastest among the top ten, up 289% on the year.
What is the average import price of light nonwoven natural fabric per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.23 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $3.20 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of light nonwoven natural fabric to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.6 million in 2017 to $9.0 million in 2024, an increase of 243%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $4.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export light nonwoven natural fabric?
Yes. South Africa exported $213 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Ghana, Denmark and Senegal. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $8.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for light nonwoven natural fabric?
The HS code for light nonwoven natural fabric is subheading 5603.91. It sits in HS chapter 56 (wadding, felt and nonwovens, special yarns; twine, cordage, ropes and cables and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5603 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World light nonwoven natural fabric trade: top importers and exporters
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