Men's clothing imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of men's clothing by South Africa reached $324.2 million in 2024 (22.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 5% less 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 | $324.2M | 22.4K t |
| 2023 | $343.0M | 13.3K t |
| 2022 | $373.6M | 13.6K t |
| 2021 | $347.2M | 12.7K t |
| 2020 | $278.6M | 10.6K t |
| 2019 | $345.6M | 13.8K t |
| 2018 | $336.1M | 12.9K t |
| 2017 | $291.7M | 11.5K t |
Where South Africa imports men's clothing from
Most of the value came from China (29%), Eswatini (18%), Mauritius (18%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $92.6M | 29% |
| Eswatini | $59.6M | 18% |
| Mauritius | $58.0M | 18% |
| Madagascar | $25.3M | 7.8% |
| Bangladesh | $24.3M | 7.5% |
| Lesotho | $22.7M | 7% |
| Vietnam | $6.1M | 1.9% |
| India | $5.9M | 1.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $5.1M | 1.6% |
| Italy | $4.8M | 1.5% |
Product types under HS 6203
| 6203.42 | Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: men's or boys', of cotton (not knitted or crocheted) | 66% |
| 6203.43 | Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: men's or boys', of synthetic fibres (not knitted or crocheted) | 15% |
| 6203.33 | Jackets and blazers: men's or boys', of synthetic fibres (not knitted or crocheted) | 3.7% |
| 6203.49 | Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: men's or boys', of textile materials (other than wool, fine animal hair, cotton or synthetic… | 2.9% |
| 6203.32 | Jackets and blazers: men's or boys', of cotton (not knitted or crocheted) | 2.6% |
| 6203.39 | Jackets and blazers: men's or boys', of textile materials n.e.c. in item no. 6203.3 (not knitted or crocheted) | 2.5% |
| 6203.22 | Ensembles: men's or boys', of cotton (not knitted or crocheted) | 2.2% |
| 6203.23 | Ensembles: men's or boys', of synthetic fibres (not knitted or crocheted) | 2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6203.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $14.50 per kg, 45% below the world average of $26.60, 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.
Men's clothing exports from South Africa
Exports of men's clothing by South Africa reached $61.5 million in 2024 (2.4 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (26%), Botswana (25%), Eswatini (11%). Among the main buyer markets, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+278% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $15.9M | 26% |
| Botswana | $15.5M | 25% |
| Eswatini | $6.7M | 11% |
| Lesotho | $5.2M | 8.5% |
| Zambia | $3.4M | 5.5% |
| Angola | $2.2M | 3.6% |
| Mozambique | $2.1M | 3.4% |
| United Kingdom | $1.4M | 2.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.4M | 2.3% |
| United Arab Emirates | $1.3M | 2.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
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.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 6203: Suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts (other than swimwear); men's or boys' (not knitted or crocheted).
Common questions
What is the value of men's clothing imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported men's clothing worth $324.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 22.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 28th of 225 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply men's clothing to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 29% of the value ($92.6 million), followed by Eswatini (18%) and Mauritius (18%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 131 supplier countries in total. Madagascar grew fastest among the top ten, up 17% on the year.
What is the average import price of men's clothing per kg?
The average declared import value was about $14.50 per kg in 2024, 45% below the world average of $26.60 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of men's clothing to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $291.7 million in 2017 to $324.2 million in 2024, an increase of 11%. The peak was 2022 at $373.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export men's clothing?
Yes. South Africa exported $61.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $262.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for men's clothing?
The HS code for men's clothing is heading 6203. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 6203.42 (66% of the value) and 6203.43 (15%). It sits in HS chapter 62 (apparel and clothing accessories; not knitted or crocheted). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6203 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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