Lingerie and corsetry imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported lingerie and corsetry worth $47.4 million (2.3 thousand tonnes). Value rose 25% 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 | $47.4M | 2.3K t |
| 2023 | $38.1M | 1.7K t |
| 2022 | $54.4M | 2.3K t |
| 2021 | $51.2M | 2.4K t |
| 2020 | $35.5M | 1.8K t |
| 2019 | $46.5M | 2.5K t |
| 2018 | $45.7M | 2.5K t |
| 2017 | $42.9M | 2.2K t |
Where South Africa imports lingerie and corsetry from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 89% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $42.1M | 89% |
| Indonesia | $1.5M | 3.1% |
| Vietnam | $1.0M | 2.1% |
| Austria | $484K | 1% |
| Sri Lanka | $450K | 1% |
| Bangladesh | $374K | 0.8% |
| Poland | $302K | 0.6% |
| United Kingdom | $133K | 0.3% |
| Myanmar | $80K | 0.2% |
| Tunisia | $72K | 0.2% |
Product types under HS 6212
| 6212.10 | Brassieres: whether or not knitted or crocheted | 94% |
| 6212.20 | Girdles and panty-girdles: whether or not knitted or crocheted | 2.5% |
| 6212.90 | Braces, suspenders, garters and similar articles: whether or not knitted or crocheted, n.e.c. in heading no. 6212 | 2% |
| 6212.30 | Corselettes: whether or not knitted or crocheted | 1.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6212.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $20.25 per kg, 47% below the world average of $38.27, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Lingerie and corsetry exports from South Africa
Exports of lingerie and corsetry by South Africa reached $5.2 million in 2024 (301 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Botswana (27%), Namibia (22%), Eswatini (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest (+180% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $1.4M | 27% |
| Namibia | $1.1M | 22% |
| Eswatini | $591K | 11% |
| Lesotho | $566K | 11% |
| Kenya | $383K | 7.4% |
| Mauritius | $330K | 6.4% |
| Zambia | $188K | 3.6% |
| Mozambique | $125K | 2.4% |
| Tanzania | $111K | 2.2% |
| Uganda | $55K | 1.1% |
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 6212: Brassieres, girdles, corsets, braces, suspenders, garters and similar articles and parts thereof; whether or not knitted or crocheted.
Common questions
What is the value of lingerie and corsetry imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported lingerie and corsetry worth $47.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 44th of 217 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 25% on 2023.
Which countries supply lingerie and corsetry to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 89% of the value ($42.1 million), followed by Indonesia (3%) and Vietnam (2%). The top three together account for 94%, out of 88 supplier countries in total. Austria grew fastest among the top ten, up 703% on the year.
What is the average import price of lingerie and corsetry per kg?
The average declared import value was about $20.25 per kg in 2024, 47% below the world average of $38.27 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 lingerie and corsetry to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $42.9 million in 2017 to $47.4 million in 2024, an increase of 11%. The peak was 2022 at $54.4 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export lingerie and corsetry?
Yes. South Africa exported $5.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Namibia and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $42.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for lingerie and corsetry?
The HS code for lingerie and corsetry is heading 6212. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 6212.10 (94% of the value) and 6212.20 (3%). It sits in HS chapter 62 (apparel and clothing accessories; not knitted or crocheted). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6212 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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