Printed synthetic knit fabric imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported printed synthetic knit fabric worth $15.0 million (1.2 thousand tonnes). It ranks 10th of 176 countries for imports of this product. Value rose 27% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 8% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2019, at $26.5 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 | $15.0M | 1.2K t |
| 2023 | $11.8M | 921 t |
| 2022 | $6.2M | 1.6K t |
| 2021 | $18.0M | 1.7K t |
| 2020 | $13.5M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $26.5M | 1.7K t |
| 2018 | $26.0M | 1.6K t |
| 2017 | $26.3M | 2.0K t |
Where South Africa imports printed synthetic knit fabric from
China alone supplied 99% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $14.9M | 99% |
| Thailand | $118K | 0.8% |
| Spain | $2K | 0% |
| South Korea | $1K | 0% |
| Japan | $1K | 0% |
| Germany | $1K | 0% |
| Eswatini | $1K | 0% |
| France | $0K | 0% |
| Lesotho | $0K | 0% |
| Belgium | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $12.54 per kg, 190% above the world average of $4.32. 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.
Printed synthetic knit fabric exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $376 thousand of printed synthetic knit fabric in 2024 (48 tonnes). Most of it went to Eswatini (47%), Lesotho (34%), Zimbabwe (16%). Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+277% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $178K | 47% |
| Lesotho | $129K | 34% |
| Zimbabwe | $60K | 16% |
| Mozambique | $4K | 1% |
| Singapore | $3K | 0.8% |
| Namibia | $2K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa printed synthetic knit fabric imports (HS 6006.34): 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 6006.34: Fabrics: knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of synthetic fibres, printed.
Common questions
What is the value of printed synthetic knit fabric imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported printed synthetic knit fabric worth $15.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 10th of 176 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 27% on 2023.
Which countries supply printed synthetic knit fabric to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 99% of the value ($14.9 million), followed by Thailand (1%) and Spain (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 10 supplier countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 491% on the year.
What is the average import price of printed synthetic knit fabric per kg?
The average declared import value was about $12.54 per kg in 2024, 190% above the world average of $4.32 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of printed synthetic knit fabric to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $26.3 million in 2017 to $15.0 million in 2024, a fall of 43%. The peak was 2019 at $26.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $17.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export printed synthetic knit fabric?
Yes. South Africa exported $376 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Eswatini, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $14.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for printed synthetic knit fabric?
The HS code for printed synthetic knit fabric is subheading 6006.34. It sits in HS chapter 60 (fabrics; knitted or crocheted). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6006 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 printed synthetic knit fabric trade: top importers and exporters
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