Synthetic pile knit fabric imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of synthetic pile knit fabric by South Africa reached $76.5 million in 2024 (7.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. That is 16% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 24% 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 | $76.5M | 7.9K t |
| 2023 | $66.0M | 6.0K t |
| 2022 | $79.7M | 8.5K t |
| 2021 | $76.8M | 6.9K t |
| 2020 | $42.7M | 5.4K t |
| 2019 | $49.1M | 5.8K t |
| 2018 | $21.4M | 6.7K t |
| 2017 | $16.9M | 5.5K t |
Where South Africa imports synthetic pile knit fabric from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 98% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $75.2M | 98% |
| India | $1.0M | 1.3% |
| Thailand | $103K | 0.1% |
| United Kingdom | $56K | 0.1% |
| Taiwan | $42K | 0.1% |
| Spain | $38K | 0.1% |
| Netherlands | $37K | 0.1% |
| Lesotho | $25K | 0% |
| United States | $17K | 0% |
| Italy | $14K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.74 per kg, 152% above the world average of $3.86. 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 pile knit fabric exports from South Africa
Exports of synthetic pile knit fabric by South Africa reached $468 thousand in 2024 (38 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Eswatini accounted for 55% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Seychelles grew fastest (+402% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $258K | 55% |
| Seychelles | $137K | 29% |
| United Arab Emirates | $22K | 4.7% |
| Namibia | $20K | 4.3% |
| France | $10K | 2.1% |
| Mauritius | $7K | 1.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $6K | 1.3% |
| Kenya | $4K | 0.9% |
| Lesotho | $3K | 0.5% |
| Botswana | $2K | 0.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa synthetic pile knit fabric imports (HS 6001.92): 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 6001.92: Fabrics: pile fabrics (excluding long pile and loop pile), of man-made fibres, knitted or crocheted.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic pile knit fabric imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported synthetic pile knit fabric worth $76.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 13th of 182 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 16% on 2023.
Which countries supply synthetic pile knit fabric to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 98% of the value ($75.2 million), followed by India (1%) and Thailand (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 27 supplier countries in total. Taiwan grew fastest among the top ten, up 710% on the year.
What is the average import price of synthetic pile knit fabric per kg?
The average declared import value was about $9.74 per kg in 2024, 152% above the world average of $3.86 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of synthetic pile knit fabric to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $16.9 million in 2017 to $76.5 million in 2024, an increase of 353%. The peak was 2022 at $79.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $53.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export synthetic pile knit fabric?
Yes. South Africa exported $468 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Eswatini, the Seychelles and the United Arab Emirates. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $76.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic pile knit fabric?
The HS code for synthetic pile knit fabric is subheading 6001.92. It sits in HS chapter 60 (fabrics; knitted or crocheted). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6001 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 pile knit fabric trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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