Synthetic furnishing textiles imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of synthetic furnishing textiles by South Africa reached $44.8 million in 2024 (2.3 thousand tonnes). It ranks 5th of 212 countries for imports of this product. That is close to the 2023 level. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 20% a year on average.
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 | $44.8M | 2.3K t |
| 2023 | $44.5M | 3.5K t |
| 2022 | $35.6M | 3.2K t |
| 2021 | $40.1M | 2.5K t |
| 2020 | $19.3M | 2.2K t |
| 2019 | $29.3M | 2.7K t |
| 2018 | $28.5M | 2.7K t |
| 2017 | $12.2M | 1.4K t |
Where South Africa imports synthetic furnishing textiles from
Lesotho alone supplied 79% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | $35.2M | 79% |
| China | $8.9M | 20% |
| India | $492K | 1.1% |
| Italy | $121K | 0.3% |
| Pakistan | $37K | 0.1% |
| Turkey | $21K | 0.1% |
| Belgium | $11K | 0% |
| Bangladesh | $7K | 0% |
| United States | $6K | 0% |
| Germany | $5K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $19.66 per kg, 107% above the world average of $9.52. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Synthetic furnishing textiles exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported synthetic furnishing textiles worth $395 thousand (25 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (15%), Botswana (13%), United States (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 41%. Among the main buyer markets, Czech Republic grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $58K | 15% |
| Botswana | $53K | 13% |
| United States | $49K | 12% |
| Zambia | $31K | 7.9% |
| Lesotho | $29K | 7.2% |
| Germany | $24K | 6.2% |
| United Kingdom | $15K | 3.8% |
| Australia | $15K | 3.8% |
| Czech Republic | $13K | 3.2% |
| Mozambique | $11K | 2.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa synthetic furnishing textiles imports (HS 6304.93): 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 6304.93: Furnishing articles: of synthetic fibres, not knitted or crocheted (excluding bedspreads and articles of heading no. 9404).
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic furnishing textiles imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported synthetic furnishing textiles worth $44.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 5th of 212 countries worldwide, with 4% of world imports. The value was up 1% on 2023.
Which countries supply synthetic furnishing textiles to South Africa?
Lesotho was the largest supplier with 79% of the value ($35.2 million), followed by China (20%) and India (1%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 30 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 750% on the year.
What is the average import price of synthetic furnishing textiles per kg?
The average declared import value was about $19.66 per kg in 2024, 107% above the world average of $9.52 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of synthetic furnishing textiles to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $12.2 million in 2017 to $44.8 million in 2024, an increase of 267%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $31.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also export synthetic furnishing textiles?
Yes. South Africa exported $395 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $44.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic furnishing textiles?
The HS code for synthetic furnishing textiles is subheading 6304.93. It sits in HS chapter 63 (textiles, made up articles; sets; worn clothing and worn textile articles; rags). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6304 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 furnishing textiles trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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