Synthetic staple fiber (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of synthetic staple fiber (other) by South Africa reached $8.8 million in 2024 (1.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The value was almost unchanged from 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 | $8.8M | 1.1K t |
| 2023 | $8.8M | 936 t |
| 2022 | $7.4M | 1.1K t |
| 2021 | $2.5M | 529 t |
| 2020 | $9.4M | 1.2K t |
| 2019 | $7.5M | 1.0K t |
| 2018 | $2.4M | 398 t |
| 2017 | $1.9M | 393 t |
Where South Africa imports synthetic staple fiber (other) from
Most of the value came from China (42%), Austria (28%), Japan (18%). Among the main suppliers, South Korea grew fastest (+267% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.7M | 42% |
| Austria | $2.5M | 28% |
| Japan | $1.6M | 18% |
| South Korea | $1000K | 11% |
| Germany | $5K | 0.1% |
| Canada | $1K | 0% |
| New Zealand | $0K | 0% |
| Taiwan | $0K | 0% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
| United Kingdom | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.38 per kg, 248% above the world average of $2.41. 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.
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa synthetic staple fiber (other) imports (HS 5503.90): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 5503.90: Fibres: synthetic staple fibres, of synthetic materials n.e.c. in heading no. 5503, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic staple fiber (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported synthetic staple fiber (other) worth $8.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 22nd of 159 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 0% on 2023.
Which countries supply synthetic staple fiber (other) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 42% of the value ($3.7 million), followed by Austria (28%) and Japan (18%). The top three together account for 89%, out of 13 supplier countries in total. South Korea grew fastest among the top ten, up 267% on the year.
What is the average import price of synthetic staple fiber (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $8.38 per kg in 2024, 248% above the world average of $2.41 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of synthetic staple fiber (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.9 million in 2017 to $8.8 million in 2024, an increase of 359%. The peak was 2020 at $9.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic staple fiber (other)?
The HS code for synthetic staple fiber (other) is subheading 5503.90. It sits in HS chapter 55 (man-made staple fibres). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5503 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World synthetic staple fiber (other) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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