Raw wool exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of raw wool by South Africa reached $281.6 million in 2024 (45.9 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 3rd largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 103 countries. That is 12% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $399.3 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 | $281.6M | 45.9K t |
| 2023 | $319.3M | 48.7K t |
| 2022 | $304.7M | 44.7K t |
| 2021 | $321.4M | 45.4K t |
| 2020 | $266.0M | 43.4K t |
| 2019 | $319.7M | 37.8K t |
| 2018 | $399.3M | 40.3K t |
| 2017 | $364.6M | 43.9K t |
Where South Africa exports raw wool to
China alone took 68% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $191.2M | 68% |
| Czech Republic | $31.3M | 11% |
| Germany | $30.1M | 11% |
| Italy | $16.2M | 5.8% |
| India | $4.7M | 1.7% |
| Bulgaria | $4.4M | 1.6% |
| Egypt | $2.4M | 0.9% |
| Canada | $385K | 0.1% |
| Botswana | $261K | 0.1% |
| Japan | $184K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 5101
| 5101.11 | Wool: (not carded or combed), greasy (including fleece-washed wool), shorn | 100% |
| 5101.19 | Wool: (other than shorn), greasy (including fleece-washed wool), not carded or combed | 0.2% |
| 5101.21 | Wool: (not carded or combed), degreased, (not carbonised), shorn | 0.1% |
| 5101.30 | Wool: (not carded or combed), carbonised | 0.1% |
| 5101.29 | Wool: (not carded or combed), degreased, (not carbonised), (other than shorn) | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5101.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.14 per kg, 39% above the world average of $4.43. 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.
Raw wool imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported raw wool worth $39.9 million (6.2 thousand tonnes). It ranks 7th of 121 countries for imports of this product. Lesotho alone supplied 95% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | $37.7M | 95% |
| Australia | $1.2M | 2.9% |
| United Kingdom | $522K | 1.3% |
| New Zealand | $369K | 0.9% |
| Uruguay | $88K | 0.2% |
| Namibia | $10K | 0% |
| Eswatini | $2K | 0% |
| Botswana | $1K | 0% |
| China | $1K | 0% |
| Moldova | $0K | 0% |
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 5101: Wool, not carded or combed.
Common questions
What is the value of raw wool exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported raw wool worth $281.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 45.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 3rd of 103 countries worldwide, with 10% of world exports. The value was down 12% on 2023.
Which countries buy raw wool from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 68% of the value ($191.2 million), followed by the Czech Republic (11%) and Germany (11%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 24 buyer countries in total.
What is the average export price of raw wool per kg?
The average declared export value was about $6.14 per kg in 2024, 39% above the world average of $4.43 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 wool from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $364.6 million in 2017 to $281.6 million in 2024, a fall of 23%. The peak was 2018 at $399.3 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import raw wool?
Yes. South Africa imported $39.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Lesotho, Australia and the United Kingdom. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $241.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for raw wool?
The HS code for raw wool is heading 5101. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 5101.11 (100% of the value) and 5101.19 (0%). It sits in HS chapter 51 (wool, fine or coarse animal hair; horsehair yarn and woven fabric). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5101 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.
Same product, other countries
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