Plaited hats imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of plaited hats by South Africa reached $4.3 million in 2024 (4.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 30% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% 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 | $4.3M | 4.8K t |
| 2023 | $3.3M | 3.8K t |
| 2022 | $3.0M | 837 t |
| 2021 | $2.4M | 290 t |
| 2020 | $1.9M | 503 t |
| 2019 | $2.5M | 1.4K t |
| 2018 | $2.7M | 1.1K t |
| 2017 | $2.1M | 1.7K t |
Where South Africa imports plaited hats from
China alone supplied 96% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+31% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $4.1M | 96% |
| United States | $33K | 0.8% |
| Bangladesh | $31K | 0.7% |
| Italy | $27K | 0.6% |
| Madagascar | $16K | 0.4% |
| Ecuador | $9K | 0.2% |
| United Kingdom | $8K | 0.2% |
| Lesotho | $8K | 0.2% |
| Thailand | $6K | 0.2% |
| Morocco | $5K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.90 per kg, 93% below the world average of $13.55, 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.
Plaited hats exports from South Africa
Exports of plaited hats by South Africa reached $2.5 million in 2024 (176 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. One buyer market dominates: Namibia accounted for 64% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest (+52% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $1.6M | 64% |
| Botswana | $271K | 11% |
| Lesotho | $152K | 6.1% |
| Eswatini | $140K | 5.6% |
| Zambia | $49K | 2% |
| Mozambique | $43K | 1.8% |
| DR Congo | $32K | 1.3% |
| Tanzania | $26K | 1.1% |
| Kenya | $22K | 0.9% |
| Malawi | $18K | 0.7% |
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 6504: Hats and other headgear; plaited or made by assembling strips of any material, whether or not lined or trimmed.
Common questions
What is the value of plaited hats imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported plaited hats worth $4.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 23rd of 216 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 30% on 2023.
Which countries supply plaited hats to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 96% of the value ($4.1 million), followed by the United States (1%) and Bangladesh (1%). The top three together account for 97%, out of 65 supplier countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 990% on the year.
What is the average import price of plaited hats per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.90 per kg in 2024, 93% below the world average of $13.55 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 plaited hats to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.1 million in 2017 to $4.3 million in 2024, an increase of 100%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export plaited hats?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Lesotho. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for plaited hats?
The HS code for plaited hats is heading 6504. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 6504.00. It sits in HS chapter 65 (headgear and parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6504 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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