Medium nonwoven synthetic fabric imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported medium nonwoven synthetic fabric worth $21.2 million (7.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 5% more than in 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 | $21.2M | 7.3K t |
| 2023 | $20.2M | 6.7K t |
| 2022 | $24.8M | 7.7K t |
| 2021 | $25.9M | 8.1K t |
| 2020 | $20.1M | 6.6K t |
| 2019 | $20.9M | 6.4K t |
| 2018 | $18.3M | 5.7K t |
| 2017 | $17.2M | 5.1K t |
Where South Africa imports medium nonwoven synthetic fabric from
The largest suppliers were China (41%), Turkey (23%), India (11%). Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+71% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $8.8M | 41% |
| Turkey | $4.9M | 23% |
| India | $2.4M | 11% |
| Czech Republic | $1.2M | 5.8% |
| Netherlands | $877K | 4.1% |
| Israel | $422K | 2% |
| Italy | $383K | 1.8% |
| Germany | $343K | 1.6% |
| United States | $297K | 1.4% |
| Saudi Arabia | $275K | 1.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.89 per kg, 26% below the world average of $3.88, 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.
Medium nonwoven synthetic fabric exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $2.7 million of medium nonwoven synthetic fabric in 2024 (1.0 thousand tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Germany accounted for 68% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+486% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $1.8M | 68% |
| Zimbabwe | $181K | 6.8% |
| Lesotho | $157K | 5.8% |
| Namibia | $143K | 5.3% |
| United Kingdom | $103K | 3.8% |
| Zambia | $74K | 2.8% |
| Eswatini | $50K | 1.9% |
| Ghana | $33K | 1.2% |
| Madagascar | $31K | 1.2% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $26K | 1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa medium nonwoven synthetic fabric imports (HS 5603.12): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 5603.12: Nonwovens: whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, of man-made filaments, (weighing more than 25g/m2 but not more than 70g/m2).
Common questions
What is the value of medium nonwoven synthetic fabric imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported medium nonwoven synthetic fabric worth $21.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 35th of 193 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply medium nonwoven synthetic fabric to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 41% of the value ($8.8 million), followed by Turkey (23%) and India (11%). The top three together account for 76%, out of 28 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 71% on the year.
What is the average import price of medium nonwoven synthetic fabric per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.89 per kg in 2024, 26% below the world average of $3.88 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of medium nonwoven synthetic fabric to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $17.2 million in 2017 to $21.2 million in 2024, an increase of 23%. The peak was 2021 at $25.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $21.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export medium nonwoven synthetic fabric?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Germany, Zimbabwe and Lesotho. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $18.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for medium nonwoven synthetic fabric?
The HS code for medium nonwoven synthetic fabric is subheading 5603.12. It sits in HS chapter 56 (wadding, felt and nonwovens, special yarns; twine, cordage, ropes and cables and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5603 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World medium nonwoven synthetic fabric trade: top importers and exporters
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.