Rope and cordage imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $13.5 million of rope and cordage in 2024 (4.2 thousand tonnes). Value rose 5% on 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 | $13.5M | 4.2K t |
| 2023 | $12.9M | 3.9K t |
| 2022 | $13.7M | 4.5K t |
| 2021 | $14.5M | 5.1K t |
| 2020 | $12.1M | 4.7K t |
| 2019 | $13.3M | 4.9K t |
| 2018 | $15.0M | 9.5K t |
| 2017 | $13.3M | 5.1K t |
Where South Africa imports rope and cordage from
China alone supplied 51% of it. Among the main suppliers, South Korea grew fastest (+205% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $6.9M | 51% |
| India | $1.0M | 7.7% |
| Hungary | $674K | 5% |
| Italy | $528K | 3.9% |
| Spain | $431K | 3.2% |
| South Korea | $384K | 2.8% |
| Germany | $349K | 2.6% |
| Taiwan | $303K | 2.2% |
| Netherlands | $289K | 2.1% |
| Portugal | $276K | 2% |
Product types under HS 5607
| 5607.50 | Twine, cordage, ropes, cables: of synthetic fibres other than polyethylene or polypropylene, whether or not plaited, braided or impregnated, coated… | 42% |
| 5607.90 | Twine, cordage, ropes, cables: of materials n.e.c. in heading no. 5607, whether or not plaited, braided or impregnated, coated, covered, or sheathed… | 24% |
| 5607.49 | Twine, cordage, ropes, cables: of polyethylene or polypropylene (excluding binder or baler twine), whether or not plaited, braided or rubber or… | 18% |
| 5607.41 | Twine: binder or baler twine, of polyethylene or polypropylene | 13% |
| 5607.29 | Twine, cordage, ropes, cables: of sisal or other textile fibres of the genus agave (excluding binder or baler twine), whether or not plaited, braided… | 2.4% |
| 5607.21 | Twine: binder or baler twine, of sisal or other textile fibres of the genus agave | 0.7% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5607.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.24 per kg, close to the world average of $3.94.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Rope and cordage exports from South Africa
Exports of rope and cordage by South Africa reached $10.5 million in 2024 (1.9 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (22%), United Kingdom (15%), Australia (13%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 50%. Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+150% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $2.3M | 22% |
| United Kingdom | $1.5M | 15% |
| Australia | $1.4M | 13% |
| Mozambique | $892K | 8.5% |
| Botswana | $813K | 7.7% |
| United States | $720K | 6.8% |
| Eswatini | $355K | 3.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $343K | 3.3% |
| Zambia | $326K | 3.1% |
| Lesotho | $263K | 2.5% |
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 5607: Twine, cordage, ropes and cables, whether or not plaited or braided; whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or sheathed with rubber or plastics.
Common questions
What is the value of rope and cordage imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported rope and cordage worth $13.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 48th of 222 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply rope and cordage to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 51% of the value ($6.9 million), followed by India (8%) and Hungary (5%). The top three together account for 64%, out of 73 supplier countries in total. South Korea grew fastest among the top ten, up 205% on the year.
What is the average import price of rope and cordage per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.24 per kg in 2024, 18% below the world average of $3.94 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 imports of rope and cordage to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $13.3 million in 2017 to $13.5 million in 2024, an increase of 2%. The peak was 2018 at $15.0 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export rope and cordage?
Yes. South Africa exported $10.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, the United Kingdom and Australia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for rope and cordage?
The HS code for rope and cordage is heading 5607. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 5607.50 (42% of the value) and 5607.90 (24%). It sits in HS chapter 56 (wadding, felt and nonwovens, special yarns; twine, cordage, ropes and cables and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5607 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.
More trade data for South Africa
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