Synthetic staple fibre exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported synthetic staple fibre worth $39.3 million (35.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value fell 8% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $51.1 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $39.3M | 35.2K t |
| 2023 | $42.5M | 32.1K t |
| 2022 | $51.1M | 30.2K t |
| 2021 | $44.5M | 32.4K t |
| 2020 | $36.3M | 30.9K t |
| 2019 | $39.7M | 26.6K t |
| 2018 | $41.5M | 22.9K t |
| 2017 | $32.4M | 22.4K t |
Where South Africa exports synthetic staple fibre to
The largest buyer markets were Mozambique (30%), Poland (12%), Zambia (9%). Among the main buyer markets, Poland grew fastest (+223% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $11.6M | 30% |
| Poland | $4.7M | 12% |
| Zambia | $3.6M | 9.1% |
| United Kingdom | $2.4M | 6% |
| Spain | $1.8M | 4.7% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.5M | 3.8% |
| Germany | $1.5M | 3.8% |
| Belgium | $1.4M | 3.7% |
| Morocco | $1.1M | 2.8% |
| Brazil | $1.1M | 2.7% |
Product types under HS 5503
| 5503.20 | Fibres: synthetic staple fibres, of polyesters, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning | 61% |
| 5503.40 | Fibres: synthetic staple fibres, of polypropylene, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning | 38% |
| 5503.19 | Fibres: synthetic staple fibres, of nylon or other polyamides other than aramids, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning | 0.7% |
| 5503.30 | Fibres: synthetic staple fibres, acrylic or modacrylic, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning | 0.6% |
| 5503.90 | Fibres: synthetic staple fibres, of synthetic materials n.e.c. in heading no. 5503, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning | 0.5% |
| 5503.11 | Fibres: synthetic staple fibres, of aramids, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning | 0.2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5503.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.11 per kg, 26% below the world average of $1.51, 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 fibre imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported synthetic staple fibre worth $28.0 million (13.0 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were China (46%), Austria (10%), South Korea (8%). Among the main suppliers, Austria grew fastest (+59% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $12.9M | 46% |
| Austria | $2.9M | 11% |
| South Korea | $2.2M | 8.1% |
| Japan | $2.1M | 7.5% |
| Turkey | $1.7M | 6% |
| Mozambique | $1.6M | 5.6% |
| India | $1.2M | 4.2% |
| Belgium | $890K | 3.2% |
| United States | $526K | 1.9% |
| Taiwan | $424K | 1.5% |
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 5503: Synthetic staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic staple fibre exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported synthetic staple fibre worth $39.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 35.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 24th of 118 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 8% on 2023.
Which countries buy synthetic staple fibre from South Africa?
Mozambique was the largest buyer with 30% of the value ($11.6 million), followed by Poland (12%) and Zambia (9%). The top three together account for 51%, out of 60 buyer countries in total. Poland grew fastest among the top ten, up 223% on the year.
What is the average export price of synthetic staple fibre per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.11 per kg in 2024, 26% below the world average of $1.51 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 exports of synthetic staple fibre from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $32.4 million in 2017 to $39.3 million in 2024, an increase of 21%. The peak was 2022 at $51.1 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import synthetic staple fibre?
Yes. South Africa imported $28.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Austria and South Korea. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $11.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic staple fibre?
The HS code for synthetic staple fibre is heading 5503. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 5503.20 (60% of the value) and 5503.40 (38%). 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?
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