Man-made packing sacks exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of man-made packing sacks by South Africa reached $2.1 million in 2024 (1.7 thousand tonnes). That is 7% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $5.2 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2.1M | 1.7K t |
| 2023 | $2.3M | 1.1K t |
| 2022 | $3.2M | 1.6K t |
| 2021 | $5.2M | 2.4K t |
| 2020 | $4.5M | 2.6K t |
| 2019 | $5.0M | 2.4K t |
| 2018 | $4.1M | 1.4K t |
| 2017 | $2.2M | 746 t |
Where South Africa exports man-made packing sacks to
Most of it went to Mozambique (36%), Namibia (21%), Botswana (18%). Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+385% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $762K | 36% |
| Namibia | $455K | 21% |
| Botswana | $380K | 18% |
| Lesotho | $188K | 8.8% |
| DR Congo | $176K | 8.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $36K | 1.7% |
| Kenya | $27K | 1.3% |
| Zambia | $27K | 1.3% |
| Eswatini | $19K | 0.9% |
| Gabon | $13K | 0.6% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.28 per kg, 76% below the world average of $5.41, 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 packing sacks imports to South Africa
Imports of man-made packing sacks by South Africa reached $317 thousand in 2024 (258 tonnes). China alone supplied 62% of it. Among the main suppliers, Turkey grew fastest (+166% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $196K | 62% |
| Lesotho | $33K | 10% |
| United States | $28K | 8.7% |
| Mozambique | $13K | 4.1% |
| Turkey | $10K | 3.1% |
| India | $10K | 3% |
| Namibia | $8K | 2.4% |
| Netherlands | $5K | 1.6% |
| Taiwan | $4K | 1.3% |
| Pakistan | $3K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa man-made packing sacks exports (HS 6305.39): 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 6305.39: Sacks and bags: of a kind used for the packing of goods, of man-made textile materials, not of polyethylene or polypropylene strip or the like, not flexible intermediate bulk containers.
Common questions
What is the value of man-made packing sacks exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported man-made packing sacks worth $2.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 25th of 151 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 7% on 2023.
Which countries buy man-made packing sacks from South Africa?
Mozambique was the largest buyer with 36% of the value ($762 thousand), followed by Namibia (21%) and Botswana (18%). The top three together account for 75%, out of 35 buyer countries in total. Mozambique grew fastest among the top ten, up 385% on the year.
What is the average export price of man-made packing sacks per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.28 per kg in 2024, 76% below the world average of $5.41 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of man-made packing sacks from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $2.2 million in 2017 to $2.1 million in 2024, a fall of 3%. The peak was 2021 at $5.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also import man-made packing sacks?
Yes. South Africa imported $317 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Lesotho and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $1.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for man-made packing sacks?
The HS code for man-made packing sacks is subheading 6305.39. It sits in HS chapter 63 (textiles, made up articles; sets; worn clothing and worn textile articles; rags). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6305 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 packing sacks trade: top importers and exporters
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