Long pile knit fabric imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported long pile knit fabric worth $16.6 million (5.8 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 8th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 155 countries. That is 19% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% 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 | $16.6M | 5.8K t |
| 2023 | $13.9M | 4.8K t |
| 2022 | $15.8M | 5.4K t |
| 2021 | $14.5M | 5.6K t |
| 2020 | $12.1M | 4.6K t |
| 2019 | $11.5M | 4.9K t |
| 2018 | $10.4M | 3.9K t |
| 2017 | $8.9M | 3.4K t |
Where South Africa imports long pile knit fabric from
China alone supplied 98% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $16.2M | 98% |
| Turkey | $168K | 1% |
| India | $123K | 0.7% |
| Thailand | $27K | 0.2% |
| Italy | $18K | 0.1% |
| United Kingdom | $6K | 0% |
| Uruguay | $6K | 0% |
| Lesotho | $6K | 0% |
| Spain | $5K | 0% |
| Taiwan | $5K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.84 per kg, 50% below the world average of $5.69, 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.
Long pile knit fabric exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported long pile knit fabric worth $2.2 million (324 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Botswana (41%), Lesotho (32%), Eswatini (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest (+195% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $892K | 41% |
| Lesotho | $681K | 32% |
| Eswatini | $328K | 15% |
| Zimbabwe | $229K | 11% |
| Mozambique | $14K | 0.6% |
| Namibia | $10K | 0.4% |
| Tanzania | $0K | 0% |
| Switzerland | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa long pile knit fabric imports (HS 6001.10): 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 6001.10: Fabrics: long pile fabrics, knitted or crocheted.
Common questions
What is the value of long pile knit fabric imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported long pile knit fabric worth $16.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 8th of 155 countries worldwide, with 3% of world imports. The value was up 19% on 2023.
Which countries supply long pile knit fabric to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 98% of the value ($16.2 million), followed by Turkey (1%) and India (1%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 21 supplier countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 532% on the year.
What is the average import price of long pile knit fabric per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.84 per kg in 2024, 50% below the world average of $5.69 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of long pile knit fabric to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $8.9 million in 2017 to $16.6 million in 2024, an increase of 87%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $13.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export long pile knit fabric?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $14.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for long pile knit fabric?
The HS code for long pile knit fabric is subheading 6001.10. 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?
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 long pile knit fabric trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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