Synthetic filament yarn imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported synthetic filament yarn worth $74.0 million (28.7 thousand tonnes). The value was almost unchanged from 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 | $74.0M | 28.7K t |
| 2023 | $73.3M | 28.6K t |
| 2022 | $90.5M | 31.1K t |
| 2021 | $88.5M | 31.2K t |
| 2020 | $57.0M | 25.1K t |
| 2019 | $80.5M | 30.1K t |
| 2018 | $87.6M | 32.1K t |
| 2017 | $78.1M | 32.4K t |
Where South Africa imports synthetic filament yarn from
The largest suppliers were China (49%), India (11%), United Kingdom (6%). Among the main suppliers, Belgium grew fastest (+436% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $36.2M | 49% |
| India | $8.2M | 11% |
| United Kingdom | $4.5M | 6.1% |
| Netherlands | $3.8M | 5.1% |
| Belgium | $2.9M | 3.9% |
| Taiwan | $2.6M | 3.6% |
| Indonesia | $2.4M | 3.3% |
| Italy | $2.2M | 3% |
| South Korea | $1.8M | 2.4% |
| Vietnam | $1.4M | 2% |
Product types under HS 5402
| 5402.33 | Yarn, synthetic: filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), textured, of polyesters, not for retail sale, not sewing thread | 27% |
| 5402.20 | Yarn, synthetic: filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of high tenacity yarn of polyesters, whether or not textured, not for retail sale… | 18% |
| 5402.11 | Yarn, synthetic: filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of high tenacity yarn of nylon or other polyamides, textured or not: of aramids, not… | 12% |
| 5402.44 | Yarn, synthetic: filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), other than high tenacity or textured yarn, elastomeric, single, untwisted or twisted… | 12% |
| 5402.62 | Yarn, synthetic: filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of polyesters (not high tenacity or textured), multiple (folded) or cabled, not for… | 5.6% |
| 5402.52 | Yarn, synthetic: filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of polyesters (not high tenacity or textured), single, twisted more than 50 turns per… | 5.1% |
| 5402.31 | Yarn, synthetic: filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), textured, of nylon or other polyamides, measuring per single yarn not more than 50… | 3.6% |
| 5402.47 | Yarn, synthetic: filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), polyesters (not high tenacity or textured), not partially oriented, single, untwisted… | 2.8% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5402.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.58 per kg, close to the world average of $2.52.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Synthetic filament yarn exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported synthetic filament yarn worth $9.7 million (3.1 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Brazil (39%), Saudi Arabia (28%), Zambia (7%). Among the main buyer markets, Australia grew fastest (+84% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $3.8M | 39% |
| Saudi Arabia | $2.7M | 28% |
| Zambia | $686K | 7.1% |
| Australia | $634K | 6.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $407K | 4.2% |
| Malawi | $208K | 2.2% |
| South Korea | $185K | 1.9% |
| Angola | $179K | 1.9% |
| Lesotho | $132K | 1.4% |
| Eswatini | $108K | 1.1% |
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 5402: Synthetic filament yarn (other than sewing thread), not put up for retail sale, including synthetic monofilament of less than 67 decitex.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic filament yarn imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported synthetic filament yarn worth $74.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 28.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 44th of 204 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 1% on 2023.
Which countries supply synthetic filament yarn to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 49% of the value ($36.2 million), followed by India (11%) and the United Kingdom (6%). The top three together account for 66%, out of 53 supplier countries in total. Belgium grew fastest among the top ten, up 436% on the year.
What is the average import price of synthetic filament yarn per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.58 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $2.52 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 synthetic filament yarn to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $78.1 million in 2017 to $74.0 million in 2024, a fall of 5%. The peak was 2022 at $90.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export synthetic filament yarn?
Yes. South Africa exported $9.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $64.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic filament yarn?
The HS code for synthetic filament yarn is heading 5402. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 5402.33 (27% of the value) and 5402.20 (18%). It sits in HS chapter 54 (man-made filaments; strip and the like of man-made textile materials). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5402 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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