Opaque synthetic tights imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported opaque synthetic tights worth $2.7 million (270 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 27% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $5.3 million.
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 | $2.7M | 270 t |
| 2023 | $3.6M | 268 t |
| 2022 | $5.3M | 386 t |
| 2021 | $3.7M | 300 t |
| 2020 | $2.6M | 181 t |
| 2019 | $2.3M | 207 t |
| 2018 | $2.1M | 148 t |
| 2017 | $2.7M | 119 t |
Where South Africa imports opaque synthetic tights from
Lesotho alone supplied 57% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | $1.5M | 57% |
| China | $706K | 26% |
| Italy | $415K | 16% |
| Vietnam | $25K | 0.9% |
| Indonesia | $5K | 0.2% |
| Croatia | $4K | 0.2% |
| United States | $3K | 0.1% |
| Turkey | $2K | 0.1% |
| Mauritius | $1K | 0% |
| United Arab Emirates | $1K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.94 per kg, 36% below the world average of $15.45, 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.
Opaque synthetic tights exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported opaque synthetic tights worth $216 thousand (21 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Botswana (45%), Namibia (27%), Lesotho (12%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $98K | 46% |
| Namibia | $59K | 27% |
| Lesotho | $27K | 12% |
| Eswatini | $20K | 9.2% |
| Kenya | $3K | 1.3% |
| Zambia | $3K | 1.2% |
| Ghana | $2K | 0.7% |
| Netherlands | $1K | 0.6% |
| Seychelles | $1K | 0.5% |
| Mozambique | $1K | 0.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa opaque synthetic tights imports (HS 6115.22): 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 6115.22: Hosiery: panty hose and tights (other than graduated compression hosiery), of synthetic fibres, measuring per single yarn 67 decitex or more, knitted or crocheted.
Common questions
What is the value of opaque synthetic tights imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported opaque synthetic tights worth $2.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 270 tonnes. That ranks it 32nd of 177 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 27% on 2023.
Which countries supply opaque synthetic tights to South Africa?
Lesotho was the largest supplier with 57% of the value ($1.5 million), followed by China (26%) and Italy (15%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 28 supplier countries in total. Indonesia grew fastest among the top ten, up 378% on the year.
What is the average import price of opaque synthetic tights per kg?
The average declared import value was about $9.94 per kg in 2024, 36% below the world average of $15.45 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of opaque synthetic tights to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.7 million in 2017 to $2.7 million in 2024, a fall of 2%. The peak was 2022 at $5.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export opaque synthetic tights?
Yes. South Africa exported $216 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Namibia and Lesotho. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for opaque synthetic tights?
The HS code for opaque synthetic tights is subheading 6115.22. It sits in HS chapter 61 (apparel and clothing accessories; knitted or crocheted). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6115 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 opaque synthetic tights trade: top importers and exporters
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