Narrow synthetic fabric imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported narrow synthetic fabric worth $10.4 million (783 tonnes). That is 51% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average.
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 | $10.4M | 783 t |
| 2023 | $6.9M | 769 t |
| 2022 | $7.8M | 557 t |
| 2021 | $7.5M | 568 t |
| 2020 | $4.4M | 424 t |
| 2019 | $5.8M | 535 t |
| 2018 | $5.0M | 772 t |
| 2017 | $5.6M | 601 t |
Where South Africa imports narrow synthetic fabric from
China alone supplied 63% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+296% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $6.6M | 63% |
| Philippines | $2.2M | 21% |
| Germany | $437K | 4.2% |
| India | $308K | 3% |
| Brazil | $180K | 1.7% |
| United States | $119K | 1.1% |
| Vietnam | $111K | 1.1% |
| France | $50K | 0.5% |
| Canada | $47K | 0.5% |
| Romania | $41K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $13.29 per kg, 77% above the world average of $7.52. 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.
Narrow synthetic fabric exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported narrow synthetic fabric worth $7.2 million (1.7 thousand tonnes). One buyer market dominates: United States accounted for 54% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $3.9M | 54% |
| Australia | $1.3M | 18% |
| Canada | $631K | 8.8% |
| France | $262K | 3.6% |
| Germany | $219K | 3% |
| Lesotho | $185K | 2.6% |
| United Arab Emirates | $103K | 1.4% |
| United Kingdom | $96K | 1.3% |
| Mozambique | $86K | 1.2% |
| Namibia | $73K | 1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa narrow synthetic fabric imports (HS 5806.32): 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 5806.32: Fabrics, narrow woven fabrics, n.e.c. in heading no. 5806, of man-made fibres (excluding goods of heading no. 5807).
Common questions
What is the value of narrow synthetic fabric imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported narrow synthetic fabric worth $10.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 783 tonnes. That ranks it 44th of 211 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 51% on 2023.
Which countries supply narrow synthetic fabric to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 63% of the value ($6.6 million), followed by the Philippines (21%) and Germany (4%). The top three together account for 89%, out of 40 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 296% on the year.
What is the average import price of narrow synthetic fabric per kg?
The average declared import value was about $13.29 per kg in 2024, 77% above the world average of $7.52 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of narrow synthetic fabric to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.6 million in 2017 to $10.4 million in 2024, an increase of 86%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $6.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export narrow synthetic fabric?
Yes. South Africa exported $7.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Australia and Canada. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for narrow synthetic fabric?
The HS code for narrow synthetic fabric is subheading 5806.32. It sits in HS chapter 58 (fabrics; special woven fabrics, tufted textile fabrics, lace, tapestries, trimmings, embroidery). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5806 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.
Same product, other countries
World narrow synthetic fabric trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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.