Synthetic monofilament imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported synthetic monofilament worth $3.5 million (862 tonnes). The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $7.6 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3.5M | 862 t |
| 2023 | $3.4M | 657 t |
| 2022 | $4.4M | 830 t |
| 2021 | $2.9M | 620 t |
| 2020 | $3.1M | 855 t |
| 2019 | $6.3M | 1.5K t |
| 2018 | $7.6M | 1.8K t |
| 2017 | $5.4M | 1.4K t |
Where South Africa imports synthetic monofilament from
The largest suppliers were China (22%), Netherlands (20%), United Arab Emirates (17%). Among the main suppliers, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+613% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $750K | 22% |
| Netherlands | $699K | 20% |
| United Arab Emirates | $586K | 17% |
| Indonesia | $259K | 7.5% |
| Germany | $246K | 7.1% |
| Italy | $194K | 5.6% |
| Vietnam | $138K | 4% |
| Japan | $130K | 3.8% |
| South Korea | $72K | 2.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $64K | 1.8% |
Product types under HS 5404
| 5404.90 | Filament, synthetic: strip and the like (e.g.. artificial straw), of synthetic textile materials of an apparent width not exceeding 5mm | 56% |
| 5404.19 | Monofilament n.e.c. in heading no 5404: of 67 decitex or more and of which no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm | 32% |
| 5404.12 | Monofilament of polypropylene: of 67 decitex or more and of which no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm | 8.1% |
| 5404.11 | Elastomeric monofilament: of 67 decitex or more and of which no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm | 3.6% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5404.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.02 per kg, 27% below the world average of $5.52, 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 monofilament exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported synthetic monofilament worth $887 thousand (370 tonnes). Most of it went to Togo (37%), Nigeria (20%), Turkey (20%). Among the main buyer markets, Turkey grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Togo | $327K | 37% |
| Nigeria | $178K | 20% |
| Turkey | $177K | 20% |
| United States | $52K | 5.9% |
| Eswatini | $33K | 3.7% |
| Ghana | $32K | 3.6% |
| Zambia | $14K | 1.6% |
| China | $14K | 1.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $12K | 1.3% |
| DR Congo | $10K | 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 5404: Synthetic monofilament of 67 decitex or more, of which no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm; strip and the like (e.g. artificial straw) of synthetic textile materials of an apparent width not exceeding 5mm.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic monofilament imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported synthetic monofilament worth $3.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 862 tonnes. That ranks it 59th of 203 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply synthetic monofilament to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 22% of the value ($750 thousand), followed by the Netherlands (20%) and the United Arab Emirates (17%). The top three together account for 59%, out of 33 supplier countries in total. The United Arab Emirates grew fastest among the top ten, up 613% on the year.
What is the average import price of synthetic monofilament per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.02 per kg in 2024, 27% below the world average of $5.52 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 monofilament to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.4 million in 2017 to $3.5 million in 2024, a fall of 36%. The peak was 2018 at $7.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export synthetic monofilament?
Yes. South Africa exported $887 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Togo, Nigeria and Turkey. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic monofilament?
The HS code for synthetic monofilament is heading 5404. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 5404.90 (56% of the value) and 5404.19 (32%). 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 5404 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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