Natural rope and cordage exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported natural rope and cordage worth $3.7 million (781 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value rose 16% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2017, at $5.2 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3.7M | 781 t |
| 2023 | $3.2M | 668 t |
| 2022 | $3.7M | 664 t |
| 2021 | $4.6M | 836 t |
| 2020 | $4.0M | 949 t |
| 2019 | $3.7M | 720 t |
| 2018 | $4.7M | 729 t |
| 2017 | $5.2M | 991 t |
Where South Africa exports natural rope and cordage to
Most of it went to Namibia (39%), Botswana (11%), Mozambique (9%). Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+142% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $1.4M | 39% |
| Botswana | $407K | 11% |
| Mozambique | $331K | 9% |
| United States | $259K | 7.1% |
| Eswatini | $169K | 4.6% |
| Zambia | $166K | 4.5% |
| Lesotho | $148K | 4% |
| Togo | $126K | 3.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $100K | 2.7% |
| DR Congo | $75K | 2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.70 per kg, 37% above the world average of $3.42. 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.
Natural rope and cordage imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $3.2 million of natural rope and cordage in 2024 (2.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. One supplier dominates: China accounted for 54% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+268% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.7M | 54% |
| India | $431K | 14% |
| Pakistan | $200K | 6.3% |
| Indonesia | $172K | 5.4% |
| Taiwan | $128K | 4% |
| Bangladesh | $92K | 2.9% |
| Netherlands | $86K | 2.7% |
| Spain | $79K | 2.5% |
| France | $61K | 1.9% |
| Zimbabwe | $57K | 1.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa natural rope and cordage exports (HS 5607.90): 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 5607.90: Twine, cordage, ropes, cables: of materials n.e.c. in heading no. 5607, whether or not plaited, braided or impregnated, coated, covered, or sheathed with rubber or plastics.
Common questions
What is the value of natural rope and cordage exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported natural rope and cordage worth $3.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 781 tonnes. That ranks it 28th of 160 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 16% on 2023.
Which countries buy natural rope and cordage from South Africa?
Namibia was the largest buyer with 39% of the value ($1.4 million), followed by Botswana (11%) and Mozambique (9%). The top three together account for 59%, out of 68 buyer countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 142% on the year.
What is the average export price of natural rope and cordage per kg?
The average declared export value was about $4.70 per kg in 2024, 37% above the world average of $3.42 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of natural rope and cordage from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $5.2 million in 2017 to $3.7 million in 2024, a fall of 30%. The peak was 2017 at $5.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also import natural rope and cordage?
Yes. South Africa imported $3.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, India and Pakistan. That compares with exports of $3.7 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for natural rope and cordage?
The HS code for natural rope and cordage is subheading 5607.90. 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 5607 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 natural rope and cordage trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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