Synthetic filament tow (other) exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $6.7 million of synthetic filament tow (other) in 2024 (2.4 thousand tonnes). It ranks 8th of 68 countries for exports of this product. Value fell 39% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 18% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $11.9 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 | $6.7M | 2.4K t |
| 2023 | $10.9M | 3.7K t |
| 2022 | $11.9M | 4.5K t |
| 2021 | $9.7M | 3.8K t |
| 2020 | $7.6M | 3.6K t |
| 2019 | $8.9M | 3.1K t |
| 2018 | $5.4M | 1.9K t |
| 2017 | $2.1M | 688 t |
Where South Africa exports synthetic filament tow (other) to
Most of it went to Kenya (35%), Nigeria (17%), Mozambique (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | $2.3M | 35% |
| Nigeria | $1.1M | 17% |
| Mozambique | $664K | 10% |
| Eswatini | $601K | 9% |
| Tanzania | $430K | 6.5% |
| Ghana | $317K | 4.8% |
| South Korea | $283K | 4.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $220K | 3.3% |
| Zambia | $192K | 2.9% |
| Uganda | $192K | 2.9% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.78 per kg, 33% below the world average of $4.18, 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.
Synthetic filament tow (other) imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported synthetic filament tow (other) worth $984 thousand (218 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Most of the value came from Japan (50%), China (35%), South Korea (12%). Among the main suppliers, Japan grew fastest (+141% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $488K | 50% |
| China | $348K | 35% |
| South Korea | $123K | 13% |
| Belgium | $21K | 2.2% |
| Tanzania | $2K | 0.2% |
| Singapore | $2K | 0.2% |
| Italy | $1K | 0.1% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
| France | $0K | 0% |
| Austria | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa synthetic filament tow (other) exports (HS 5501.90): 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 5501.90: Fibres: synthetic filament tow, of synthetic materials n.e.c. in heading no. 5501.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic filament tow (other) exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported synthetic filament tow (other) worth $6.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 8th of 68 countries worldwide, with 5% of world exports. The value was down 39% on 2023.
Which countries buy synthetic filament tow (other) from South Africa?
Kenya was the largest buyer with 35% of the value ($2.3 million), followed by Nigeria (17%) and Mozambique (10%). The top three together account for 62%, out of 17 buyer countries in total. Zimbabwe grew fastest among the top ten, up 236% on the year.
What is the average export price of synthetic filament tow (other) per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.78 per kg in 2024, 33% below the world average of $4.18 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of synthetic filament tow (other) from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $2.1 million in 2017 to $6.7 million in 2024, an increase of 213%. The peak was 2022 at $11.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $7.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also import synthetic filament tow (other)?
Yes. South Africa imported $984 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Japan, China and South Korea. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $5.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic filament tow (other)?
The HS code for synthetic filament tow (other) is subheading 5501.90. It sits in HS chapter 55 (man-made staple fibres). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5501 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World synthetic filament tow (other) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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