Medium cotton yarn imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported medium cotton yarn worth $3.4 million (1.1 thousand tonnes). That is 8% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 12% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $8.1 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 | $3.4M | 1.1K t |
| 2023 | $3.1M | 922 t |
| 2022 | $2.8M | 742 t |
| 2021 | $2.1M | 757 t |
| 2020 | $2.0M | 775 t |
| 2019 | $3.6M | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $7.0M | 2.2K t |
| 2017 | $8.1M | 2.5K t |
Where South Africa imports medium cotton yarn from
Most of the value came from Mozambique (37%), China (21%), Mauritius (18%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $1.2M | 37% |
| China | $701K | 21% |
| Mauritius | $589K | 18% |
| India | $428K | 13% |
| Zimbabwe | $317K | 9.4% |
| Taiwan | $53K | 1.6% |
| Botswana | $23K | 0.7% |
| Turkey | $10K | 0.3% |
| Italy | $4K | 0.1% |
| Canada | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.03 per kg, 28% above the world average of $2.37. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa medium cotton yarn imports (HS 5205.12): 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 5205.12: Cotton yarn: (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 714.29 but not less than 232.56 decitex (exceeding 14 but not exceeding 43 metric number), not for retail sale.
Common questions
What is the value of medium cotton yarn imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported medium cotton yarn worth $3.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 36th of 144 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 8% on 2023.
Which countries supply medium cotton yarn to South Africa?
Mozambique was the largest supplier with 37% of the value ($1.2 million), followed by China (21%) and Mauritius (18%). The top three together account for 75%, out of 12 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 203% on the year.
What is the average import price of medium cotton yarn per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.03 per kg in 2024, 28% above the world average of $2.37 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of medium cotton yarn to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $8.1 million in 2017 to $3.4 million in 2024, a fall of 58%. The peak was 2017 at $8.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for medium cotton yarn?
The HS code for medium cotton yarn is subheading 5205.12. It sits in HS chapter 52 (cotton). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5205 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
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