Swimwear and activewear imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of swimwear and activewear by South Africa reached $25.7 million in 2024 (1.0 thousand tonnes). That is 9% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $45.1 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 | $25.7M | 1.0K t |
| 2023 | $23.7M | 1.2K t |
| 2022 | $25.4M | 1.2K t |
| 2021 | $24.4M | 1.2K t |
| 2020 | $25.4M | 1.3K t |
| 2019 | $44.7M | 1.9K t |
| 2018 | $45.1M | 2.3K t |
| 2017 | $34.4M | 2.1K t |
Where South Africa imports swimwear and activewear from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 51% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+49% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $13.0M | 51% |
| India | $4.0M | 16% |
| Bangladesh | $1.4M | 5.4% |
| Lesotho | $1.2M | 4.6% |
| Italy | $874K | 3.4% |
| Eswatini | $716K | 2.8% |
| Vietnam | $585K | 2.3% |
| Morocco | $471K | 1.8% |
| United States | $437K | 1.7% |
| Turkey | $394K | 1.5% |
Product types under HS 6211
| 6211.33 | Track suits and other garments n.e.c.: men's or boys', of man-made fibres (not knitted or crocheted) | 26% |
| 6211.43 | Track suits and other garments n.e.c.: women's or girls', of man-made fibres (not knitted or crocheted) | 18% |
| 6211.42 | Track suits and other garments n.e.c.: women's or girls', of cotton (not knitted or crocheted) | 17% |
| 6211.11 | Swimwear: men's or boys', (not knitted or crocheted) | 14% |
| 6211.49 | Track suits and other garments n.e.c.: women's or girls', of textile materials n.e.c. in item no. 6211.4 (not knitted or crocheted) | 8.3% |
| 6211.12 | Swimwear: women's or girls', (not knitted or crocheted) | 7.3% |
| 6211.32 | Track suits and other garments n.e.c.: men's or boys', of cotton (not knitted or crocheted) | 5.4% |
| 6211.39 | Track suits and other garments n.e.c.: men's or boys', of textile materials n.e.c. in item no. 6211.3 (not knitted or crocheted) | 4.2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6211.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $25.33 per kg, close to the world average of $26.92.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Swimwear and activewear exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $14.1 million of swimwear and activewear in 2024 (754 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Mozambique (15%), Namibia (13%), Zambia (13%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 41%. Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+38% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $2.1M | 15% |
| Namibia | $1.9M | 13% |
| Zambia | $1.9M | 13% |
| Botswana | $1.8M | 12% |
| Malawi | $603K | 4.3% |
| Eswatini | $555K | 3.9% |
| United States | $504K | 3.6% |
| Ukraine | $408K | 2.9% |
| China | $379K | 2.7% |
| DR Congo | $332K | 2.4% |
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 6211: Track suits, swimwear and other garments (not knitted or crocheted).
Common questions
What is the value of swimwear and activewear imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported swimwear and activewear worth $25.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 55th of 224 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 9% on 2023.
Which countries supply swimwear and activewear to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 51% of the value ($13.0 million), followed by India (16%) and Bangladesh (5%). The top three together account for 72%, out of 106 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 49% on the year.
What is the average import price of swimwear and activewear per kg?
The average declared import value was about $25.33 per kg in 2024, 6% below the world average of $26.92 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 swimwear and activewear to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $34.4 million in 2017 to $25.7 million in 2024, a fall of 25%. The peak was 2018 at $45.1 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export swimwear and activewear?
Yes. South Africa exported $14.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $11.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for swimwear and activewear?
The HS code for swimwear and activewear is heading 6211. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 6211.33 (26% of the value) and 6211.43 (18%). It sits in HS chapter 62 (apparel and clothing accessories; not knitted or crocheted). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6211 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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