Polyurethane-coated fabric imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of polyurethane-coated fabric by South Africa reached $30.3 million in 2024 (6.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 21% more than in 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 | $30.3M | 6.4K t |
| 2023 | $25.2M | 5.3K t |
| 2022 | $25.7M | 5.2K t |
| 2021 | $22.9M | 5.2K t |
| 2020 | $21.8M | 6.9K t |
| 2019 | $19.1M | 7.1K t |
| 2018 | $24.0M | 7.9K t |
| 2017 | $25.9M | 8.3K t |
Where South Africa imports polyurethane-coated fabric from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 80% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $24.2M | 80% |
| Thailand | $1.5M | 4.8% |
| Poland | $1.0M | 3.5% |
| Portugal | $1.0M | 3.4% |
| Germany | $687K | 2.3% |
| Italy | $312K | 1% |
| Slovakia | $251K | 0.8% |
| Hong Kong | $198K | 0.7% |
| Romania | $157K | 0.5% |
| Indonesia | $154K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.70 per kg, 53% below the world average of $10.00, 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.
Polyurethane-coated fabric exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported polyurethane-coated fabric worth $1.3 million (308 tonnes). Lesotho alone took 64% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest (+240% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | $860K | 64% |
| Zimbabwe | $128K | 9.5% |
| United States | $127K | 9.5% |
| Eswatini | $44K | 3.3% |
| New Zealand | $35K | 2.6% |
| Zambia | $28K | 2.1% |
| Thailand | $23K | 1.7% |
| Botswana | $22K | 1.6% |
| Namibia | $19K | 1.4% |
| Tanzania | $13K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa polyurethane-coated fabric imports (HS 5903.20): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 5903.20: Textile fabrics: impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with polyurethane.
Common questions
What is the value of polyurethane-coated fabric imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported polyurethane-coated fabric worth $30.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 38th of 191 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 21% on 2023.
Which countries supply polyurethane-coated fabric to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 80% of the value ($24.2 million), followed by Thailand (5%) and Poland (3%). The top three together account for 88%, out of 40 supplier countries in total. Poland grew fastest among the top ten, up 95% on the year.
What is the average import price of polyurethane-coated fabric per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.70 per kg in 2024, 53% below the world average of $10.00 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of polyurethane-coated fabric to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $25.9 million in 2017 to $30.3 million in 2024, an increase of 17%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $24.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export polyurethane-coated fabric?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Lesotho, Zimbabwe and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $29.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyurethane-coated fabric?
The HS code for polyurethane-coated fabric is subheading 5903.20. It sits in HS chapter 59 (textile fabrics; impregnated, coated, covered or laminated; textile articles of a kind suitable for industrial use). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5903 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 polyurethane-coated fabric trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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