Small goods (plastic or textile) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported small goods (plastic or textile) worth $6.4 million (679 tonnes). Value fell 10% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 5% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $9.7 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 | $6.4M | 679 t |
| 2023 | $7.1M | 1.6K t |
| 2022 | $8.4M | 1.4K t |
| 2021 | $8.2M | 1.3K t |
| 2020 | $5.7M | 894 t |
| 2019 | $8.3M | 1.7K t |
| 2018 | $9.7M | 2.4K t |
| 2017 | $9.2M | 1.7K t |
Where South Africa imports small goods (plastic or textile) from
China alone supplied 80% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $5.1M | 81% |
| Italy | $395K | 6.2% |
| France | $282K | 4.4% |
| India | $160K | 2.5% |
| Vietnam | $88K | 1.4% |
| Spain | $42K | 0.7% |
| Myanmar | $41K | 0.6% |
| United States | $38K | 0.6% |
| Cambodia | $36K | 0.6% |
| Moldova | $32K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.38 per kg, 47% below the world average of $17.63, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Small goods (plastic or textile) exports from South Africa
Exports of small goods (plastic or textile) by South Africa reached $804 thousand in 2024 (62 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Botswana (26%), Namibia (14%), Eswatini (13%). Among the main buyer markets, France grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $211K | 26% |
| Namibia | $114K | 14% |
| Eswatini | $103K | 13% |
| Zambia | $60K | 7.4% |
| Germany | $57K | 7.1% |
| Lesotho | $44K | 5.4% |
| France | $35K | 4.3% |
| Italy | $18K | 2.3% |
| Mozambique | $18K | 2.2% |
| United States | $16K | 2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa small goods (plastic or textile) imports (HS 4202.32): 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 4202.32: Cases and containers: of a kind normally carried in the pocket or in the handbag, with outer surface of sheeting of plastics or of textile materials.
Common questions
What is the value of small goods (plastic or textile) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported small goods (plastic or textile) worth $6.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 679 tonnes. That ranks it 60th of 215 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 10% on 2023.
Which countries supply small goods (plastic or textile) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 80% of the value ($5.1 million), followed by Italy (6%) and France (4%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 66 supplier countries in total. Moldova grew fastest among the top ten, up 126% on the year.
What is the average import price of small goods (plastic or textile) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $9.38 per kg in 2024, 47% below the world average of $17.63 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of small goods (plastic or textile) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $9.2 million in 2017 to $6.4 million in 2024, a fall of 30%. The peak was 2018 at $9.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $7.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export small goods (plastic or textile)?
Yes. South Africa exported $804 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Namibia and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $5.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for small goods (plastic or textile)?
The HS code for small goods (plastic or textile) is subheading 4202.32. It sits in HS chapter 42 (articles of leather; saddlery and harness; travel goods, handbags and similar containers; articles of animal gut (other than silk-worm gut)). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4202 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World small goods (plastic or textile) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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