Synthetic staple fabric imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported synthetic staple fabric worth $6.5 million (1.4 thousand tonnes). Value fell 66% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 5% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $20.3 million.
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 | $6.5M | 1.4K t |
| 2023 | $19.0M | 1.6K t |
| 2022 | $18.5M | 1.6K t |
| 2021 | $6.9M | 1.5K t |
| 2020 | $13.1M | 1.7K t |
| 2019 | $10.0M | 3.0K t |
| 2018 | $20.3M | 4.3K t |
| 2017 | $9.5M | 3.7K t |
Where South Africa imports synthetic staple fabric from
Most of the value came from China (48%), Spain (15%), France (10%). Among the main suppliers, Pakistan grew fastest (+55% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.1M | 48% |
| Spain | $973K | 15% |
| France | $630K | 9.7% |
| Taiwan | $361K | 5.6% |
| Pakistan | $229K | 3.5% |
| Germany | $188K | 2.9% |
| United States | $163K | 2.5% |
| Turkey | $155K | 2.4% |
| Italy | $134K | 2.1% |
| India | $120K | 1.9% |
Product types under HS 5512
| 5512.19 | Fabrics, woven: of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres, other than unbleached or bleached | 38% |
| 5512.29 | Fabrics, woven: of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of acrylic or modacrylic staple fibres, other than unbleached or bleached | 27% |
| 5512.99 | Fabrics, woven: of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of such fibres n.e.c. in heading no. 5512, other than unbleached or… | 24% |
| 5512.21 | Fabrics, woven: of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of acrylic or modacrylic staple fibres, unbleached or bleached | 5.3% |
| 5512.11 | Fabrics, woven: of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres, unbleached or bleached | 4.5% |
| 5512.91 | Fabrics, woven: of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of such fibres n.e.c. in heading no. 5512, unbleached or bleached | 1.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5512.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.50 per kg, 42% below the world average of $7.71, 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 staple fabric exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported synthetic staple fabric worth $1.2 million (491 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Eswatini (38%), Namibia (22%), Zimbabwe (16%). Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest (+437% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $458K | 38% |
| Namibia | $266K | 22% |
| Zimbabwe | $190K | 16% |
| Mauritius | $64K | 5.4% |
| Botswana | $22K | 1.9% |
| Mozambique | $22K | 1.8% |
| Lesotho | $20K | 1.7% |
| Tanzania | $20K | 1.7% |
| Uganda | $20K | 1.7% |
| New Zealand | $20K | 1.6% |
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 5512: Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic staple fabric imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported synthetic staple fabric worth $6.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 72nd of 208 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 66% on 2023.
Which countries supply synthetic staple fabric to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 48% of the value ($3.1 million), followed by Spain (15%) and France (10%). The top three together account for 72%, out of 38 supplier countries in total. Pakistan grew fastest among the top ten, up 55% on the year.
What is the average import price of synthetic staple fabric per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.50 per kg in 2024, 42% below the world average of $7.71 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 staple fabric to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $9.5 million in 2017 to $6.5 million in 2024, a fall of 32%. The peak was 2018 at $20.3 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export synthetic staple fabric?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Eswatini, Namibia and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $5.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic staple fabric?
The HS code for synthetic staple fabric is heading 5512. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 5512.19 (38% of the value) and 5512.29 (27%). It sits in HS chapter 55 (man-made staple fibres). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5512 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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