Light nonwoven synthetic fabric imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported light nonwoven synthetic fabric worth $12.4 million (5.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 16% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 11% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $28.1 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 | $12.4M | 5.3K t |
| 2023 | $14.9M | 5.7K t |
| 2022 | $22.0M | 7.4K t |
| 2021 | $20.9M | 7.2K t |
| 2020 | $13.2M | 4.8K t |
| 2019 | $22.7M | 9.4K t |
| 2018 | $28.1M | 11.4K t |
| 2017 | $27.8M | 12.0K t |
Where South Africa imports light nonwoven synthetic fabric from
The largest suppliers were China (40%), Turkey (16%), Egypt (9%). Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+406% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $5.0M | 40% |
| Turkey | $2.0M | 16% |
| Egypt | $1.1M | 9% |
| India | $1.1M | 8.7% |
| Italy | $590K | 4.8% |
| Czech Republic | $583K | 4.7% |
| Denmark | $526K | 4.2% |
| United States | $500K | 4% |
| Brazil | $299K | 2.4% |
| Germany | $236K | 1.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.34 per kg, close to the world average of $2.55.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Light nonwoven synthetic fabric exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported light nonwoven synthetic fabric worth $3.3 million (1.9 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Nigeria (20%), Czech Republic (19%), Ghana (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Cote d'Ivoire grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | $645K | 20% |
| Czech Republic | $617K | 19% |
| Ghana | $423K | 13% |
| Angola | $337K | 10% |
| Namibia | $314K | 9.7% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $260K | 8% |
| Germany | $204K | 6.3% |
| Botswana | $115K | 3.5% |
| Mozambique | $65K | 2% |
| Zambia | $63K | 1.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa light nonwoven synthetic fabric imports (HS 5603.11): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 5603.11: Nonwovens: whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, of man-made filaments, (weighing not more than 25g/m2).
Common questions
What is the value of light nonwoven synthetic fabric imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported light nonwoven synthetic fabric worth $12.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 40th of 195 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 16% on 2023.
Which countries supply light nonwoven synthetic fabric to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 40% of the value ($5.0 million), followed by Turkey (16%) and Egypt (9%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 22 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 406% on the year.
What is the average import price of light nonwoven synthetic fabric per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.34 per kg in 2024, 8% below the world average of $2.55 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of light nonwoven synthetic fabric to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $27.8 million in 2017 to $12.4 million in 2024, a fall of 55%. The peak was 2018 at $28.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $20.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export light nonwoven synthetic fabric?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Nigeria, the Czech Republic and Ghana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $9.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for light nonwoven synthetic fabric?
The HS code for light nonwoven synthetic fabric is subheading 5603.11. 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?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World light nonwoven synthetic fabric trade: top importers and exporters
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