PVC-coated fabric imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported pvc-coated fabric worth $32.4 million (3.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 100% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 18% 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 | $32.4M | 3.5K t |
| 2023 | $16.2M | 3.4K t |
| 2022 | $14.1M | 3.2K t |
| 2021 | $28.5M | 3.3K t |
| 2020 | $17.6M | 2.5K t |
| 2019 | $26.1M | 3.3K t |
| 2018 | $29.1M | 4.8K t |
| 2017 | $9.9M | 5.1K t |
Where South Africa imports pvc-coated fabric from
China alone supplied 75% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+320% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $24.2M | 75% |
| Italy | $2.1M | 6.5% |
| Eswatini | $1.5M | 4.5% |
| India | $1.1M | 3.5% |
| Belgium | $977K | 3% |
| Germany | $609K | 1.9% |
| Netherlands | $281K | 0.9% |
| Spain | $267K | 0.8% |
| Taiwan | $259K | 0.8% |
| Portugal | $164K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.25 per kg, 127% above the world average of $4.08. 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.
PVC-coated fabric exports from South Africa
Exports of pvc-coated fabric by South Africa reached $3.5 million in 2024 (861 tonnes). Most of it went to Zimbabwe (17%), Zambia (14%), Namibia (13%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 44%. Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest (+59% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $602K | 17% |
| Zambia | $480K | 14% |
| Namibia | $456K | 13% |
| Tanzania | $400K | 12% |
| Kenya | $310K | 8.9% |
| Eswatini | $209K | 6% |
| Botswana | $168K | 4.8% |
| Australia | $139K | 4% |
| Lesotho | $130K | 3.7% |
| United States | $110K | 3.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa pvc-coated fabric imports (HS 5903.10): 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 5903.10: Textile fabrics: impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with poly(vinyl chloride).
Common questions
What is the value of pvc-coated fabric imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported pvc-coated fabric worth $32.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 30th of 210 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 100% on 2023.
Which countries supply pvc-coated fabric to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 75% of the value ($24.2 million), followed by Italy (7%) and Eswatini (4%). The top three together account for 86%, out of 39 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 320% on the year.
What is the average import price of pvc-coated fabric per kg?
The average declared import value was about $9.25 per kg in 2024, 127% above the world average of $4.08 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of pvc-coated fabric to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $9.9 million in 2017 to $32.4 million in 2024, an increase of 227%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $21.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export pvc-coated fabric?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $28.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for pvc-coated fabric?
The HS code for pvc-coated fabric is subheading 5903.10. 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?
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
More trade data for South Africa
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