Raw cotton exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported raw cotton worth $28.6 million (15.7 thousand tonnes). That is 217% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 12% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $69.6 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $28.6M | 15.7K t |
| 2023 | $9.0M | 5.4K t |
| 2022 | $31.1M | 14.7K t |
| 2021 | $30.5M | 17.6K t |
| 2020 | $42.9M | 27.8K t |
| 2019 | $39.7M | 27.3K t |
| 2018 | $54.1M | 24.9K t |
| 2017 | $69.6M | 42.6K t |
Where South Africa exports raw cotton to
Most of it went to Indonesia (30%), Bangladesh (20%), Lesotho (19%). Among the main buyer markets, Indonesia grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | $8.5M | 30% |
| Bangladesh | $5.8M | 20% |
| Lesotho | $5.5M | 19% |
| Taiwan | $2.2M | 7.8% |
| Mauritius | $1.7M | 6.1% |
| Vietnam | $1.6M | 5.7% |
| China | $1.2M | 4.4% |
| Germany | $447K | 1.6% |
| India | $350K | 1.2% |
| Italy | $156K | 0.6% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.82 per kg, close to the world average of $1.93.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Raw cotton imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $7.4 million of raw cotton in 2024 (2.5 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were Zimbabwe (47%), Brazil (17%), Zambia (17%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $3.4M | 47% |
| Brazil | $1.3M | 17% |
| Zambia | $1.2M | 17% |
| Togo | $809K | 11% |
| Eswatini | $355K | 4.8% |
| Mozambique | $101K | 1.4% |
| Taiwan | $78K | 1.1% |
| Lesotho | $16K | 0.2% |
| China | $13K | 0.2% |
| United Kingdom | $7K | 0.1% |
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 5201: Cotton; not carded or combed.
Common questions
What is the value of raw cotton exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported raw cotton worth $28.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 15.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 26th of 149 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 217% on 2023.
Which countries buy raw cotton from South Africa?
Indonesia was the largest buyer with 30% of the value ($8.5 million), followed by Bangladesh (20%) and Lesotho (19%). The top three together account for 69%, out of 58 buyer countries in total. Lesotho grew fastest among the top ten, up 543% on the year.
What is the average export price of raw cotton per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.82 per kg in 2024, 6% below the world average of $1.93 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 exports of raw cotton from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $69.6 million in 2017 to $28.6 million in 2024, a fall of 59%. The peak was 2017 at $69.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import raw cotton?
Yes. South Africa imported $7.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Zimbabwe, Brazil and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $21.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for raw cotton?
The HS code for raw cotton is heading 5201. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 5201.00. It sits in HS chapter 52 (cotton). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5201 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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