Man-made knit garments imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of man-made knit garments by South Africa reached $10.5 million in 2024 (728 tonnes). That is 4% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $18.7 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 | $10.5M | 728 t |
| 2023 | $10.1M | 665 t |
| 2022 | $18.7M | 563 t |
| 2021 | $17.4M | 520 t |
| 2020 | $12.3M | 386 t |
| 2019 | $13.7M | 453 t |
| 2018 | $6.5M | 525 t |
| 2017 | $6.2M | 640 t |
Where South Africa imports man-made knit garments from
China alone supplied 67% of it. Among the main suppliers, Mauritius grew fastest (+293% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $7.0M | 67% |
| Vietnam | $999K | 9.5% |
| Mauritius | $433K | 4.1% |
| Eswatini | $333K | 3.2% |
| Bangladesh | $327K | 3.1% |
| Turkey | $239K | 2.3% |
| Bulgaria | $209K | 2% |
| Cambodia | $177K | 1.7% |
| Italy | $115K | 1.1% |
| Pakistan | $74K | 0.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $14.45 per kg, 47% below the world average of $27.09, 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.
Man-made knit garments exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.4 million of man-made knit garments in 2024 (95 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Botswana (28%), Namibia (26%), Eswatini (12%). Among the main buyer markets, France grew fastest (+416% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $401K | 28% |
| Namibia | $372K | 26% |
| Eswatini | $171K | 12% |
| Lesotho | $156K | 11% |
| Zambia | $52K | 3.7% |
| Hong Kong | $34K | 2.4% |
| Bulgaria | $29K | 2.1% |
| France | $27K | 1.9% |
| Kenya | $24K | 1.7% |
| Mozambique | $20K | 1.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa man-made knit garments imports (HS 6114.30): 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 6114.30: Garments: of man-made fibres, knitted or crocheted, n.e.c. in chapter 61.
Common questions
What is the value of man-made knit garments imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported man-made knit garments worth $10.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 728 tonnes. That ranks it 45th of 217 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 4% on 2023.
Which countries supply man-made knit garments to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 67% of the value ($7.0 million), followed by Vietnam (9%) and Mauritius (4%). The top three together account for 80%, out of 90 supplier countries in total. Mauritius grew fastest among the top ten, up 293% on the year.
What is the average import price of man-made knit garments per kg?
The average declared import value was about $14.45 per kg in 2024, 47% below the world average of $27.09 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of man-made knit garments to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.2 million in 2017 to $10.5 million in 2024, an increase of 69%. The peak was 2022 at $18.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $11.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export man-made knit garments?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.4 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 $9.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for man-made knit garments?
The HS code for man-made knit garments is subheading 6114.30. It sits in HS chapter 61 (apparel and clothing accessories; knitted or crocheted). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6114 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 man-made knit garments trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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