Linen fabric imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $5.6 million of linen fabric in 2024 (308 tonnes). Value rose 14% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% 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 | $5.6M | 308 t |
| 2023 | $4.9M | 193 t |
| 2022 | $4.1M | 180 t |
| 2021 | $3.8M | 205 t |
| 2020 | $2.0M | 150 t |
| 2019 | $3.3M | 239 t |
| 2018 | $3.4M | 202 t |
| 2017 | $2.8M | 201 t |
Where South Africa imports linen fabric from
China alone supplied 68% of it. Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+43% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.8M | 68% |
| Turkey | $423K | 7.6% |
| United Kingdom | $338K | 6.1% |
| India | $277K | 5% |
| Italy | $195K | 3.5% |
| Belgium | $173K | 3.1% |
| Spain | $156K | 2.8% |
| Belarus | $37K | 0.7% |
| France | $28K | 0.5% |
| United States | $23K | 0.4% |
Product types under HS 5309
| 5309.29 | Fabrics, woven: of flax, containing less than 85% flax, other than unbleached or bleached | 55% |
| 5309.19 | Fabrics, woven: of flax, containing 85% or more flax, other than bleached or unbleached | 40% |
| 5309.11 | Fabrics, woven: of flax, containing 85% or more flax, unbleached or bleached | 5.1% |
| 5309.21 | Fabrics, woven: of flax, containing less than 85% flax, unbleached or bleached | 0.6% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5309.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $18.03 per kg, close to the world average of $20.60.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Linen fabric exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported linen fabric worth $396 thousand (28 tonnes). Most of it went to Eswatini (24%), New Zealand (21%), Lesotho (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $96K | 24% |
| New Zealand | $85K | 21% |
| Lesotho | $59K | 15% |
| United Arab Emirates | $44K | 11% |
| Namibia | $24K | 6.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $17K | 4.4% |
| Botswana | $16K | 4% |
| Uganda | $12K | 3% |
| United Kingdom | $12K | 2.9% |
| Tanzania | $10K | 2.6% |
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 5309: Woven fabrics of flax.
Common questions
What is the value of linen fabric imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported linen fabric worth $5.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 308 tonnes. That ranks it 46th of 187 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 14% on 2023.
Which countries supply linen fabric to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 68% of the value ($3.8 million), followed by Turkey (8%) and the United Kingdom (6%). The top three together account for 82%, out of 36 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 43% on the year.
What is the average import price of linen fabric per kg?
The average declared import value was about $18.03 per kg in 2024, 12% below the world average of $20.60 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 linen fabric to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.8 million in 2017 to $5.6 million in 2024, an increase of 96%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export linen fabric?
Yes. South Africa exported $396 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Eswatini, New Zealand and Lesotho. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $5.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for linen fabric?
The HS code for linen fabric is heading 5309. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 5309.29 (55% of the value) and 5309.19 (40%). It sits in HS chapter 53 (vegetable textile fibres; paper yarn and woven fabrics of paper yarn). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5309 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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