Men's cotton knit shirt imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $50.2 million of men's cotton knit shirt in 2024 (1.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 3% from 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 | $50.2M | 1.6K t |
| 2023 | $51.8M | 1.3K t |
| 2022 | $59.0M | 1.4K t |
| 2021 | $53.1M | 1.4K t |
| 2020 | $39.7M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $54.9M | 1.9K t |
| 2018 | $54.2M | 1.8K t |
| 2017 | $37.4M | 1.3K t |
Where South Africa imports men's cotton knit shirt from
The largest suppliers were Mauritius (28%), Madagascar (18%), Eswatini (16%). Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+46% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritius | $14.0M | 28% |
| Madagascar | $8.9M | 18% |
| Eswatini | $7.9M | 16% |
| China | $4.8M | 9.6% |
| India | $3.1M | 6.2% |
| Bangladesh | $2.3M | 4.7% |
| Tanzania | $1.3M | 2.6% |
| Lesotho | $1.0M | 2.1% |
| Italy | $850K | 1.7% |
| Turkey | $846K | 1.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $31.22 per kg, close to the world average of $28.62.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Men's cotton knit shirt exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported men's cotton knit shirt worth $5.4 million (146 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Botswana (31%), Namibia (19%), Eswatini (9%). Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+172% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $1.7M | 31% |
| Namibia | $1.0M | 19% |
| Eswatini | $467K | 8.7% |
| Lesotho | $363K | 6.7% |
| Zambia | $309K | 5.7% |
| DR Congo | $284K | 5.3% |
| Mozambique | $265K | 4.9% |
| Kenya | $251K | 4.7% |
| Zimbabwe | $129K | 2.4% |
| Angola | $121K | 2.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa men's cotton knit shirt imports (HS 6105.10): 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 6105.10: Shirts: men's or boys', of cotton, knitted or crocheted.
Common questions
What is the value of men's cotton knit shirt imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported men's cotton knit shirt worth $50.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 23rd of 220 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply men's cotton knit shirt to South Africa?
Mauritius was the largest supplier with 28% of the value ($14.0 million), followed by Madagascar (18%) and Eswatini (16%). The top three together account for 61%, out of 85 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 46% on the year.
What is the average import price of men's cotton knit shirt per kg?
The average declared import value was about $31.22 per kg in 2024, 9% above the world average of $28.62 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of men's cotton knit shirt to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $37.4 million in 2017 to $50.2 million in 2024, an increase of 34%. The peak was 2022 at $59.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $50.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export men's cotton knit shirt?
Yes. South Africa exported $5.4 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 $44.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for men's cotton knit shirt?
The HS code for men's cotton knit shirt is subheading 6105.10. It sits in HS chapter 61 (apparel and clothing accessories; knitted or crocheted). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6105 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 men's cotton knit shirt trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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