Synthetic staple yarn imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $26.6 million of synthetic staple yarn in 2024 (7.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 10% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $26.6M | 7.7K t |
| 2023 | $29.5M | 7.3K t |
| 2022 | $32.8M | 8.0K t |
| 2021 | $29.6M | 9.0K t |
| 2020 | $21.2M | 6.8K t |
| 2019 | $28.7M | 9.0K t |
| 2018 | $28.6M | 8.6K t |
| 2017 | $27.9M | 9.2K t |
Where South Africa imports synthetic staple yarn from
India alone supplied 60% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $15.8M | 60% |
| China | $4.7M | 18% |
| Turkey | $1.5M | 5.7% |
| Taiwan | $836K | 3.2% |
| Indonesia | $821K | 3.1% |
| Mauritius | $722K | 2.7% |
| Thailand | $586K | 2.2% |
| Vietnam | $522K | 2% |
| Malaysia | $366K | 1.4% |
| Germany | $358K | 1.4% |
Product types under HS 5509
| 5509.32 | Yarn: (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of acrylic or modacrylic, not… | 31% |
| 5509.51 | Yarn: (not sewing thread), of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with artificial staple fibres, not put up for retail sale | 19% |
| 5509.53 | Yarn: (not sewing thread), of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, not put up for retail sale | 12% |
| 5509.42 | Yarn: (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 5509… | 10% |
| 5509.22 | Yarn: (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester, not put up… | 8.2% |
| 5509.21 | Yarn: (not sewing thread), single, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester, not put up for retail sale | 7.5% |
| 5509.69 | Yarn: (not sewing thread), of acrylic or modacrylic staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with fibres n.e.c. in item no. 5509.6, not put up for… | 6.7% |
| 5509.92 | Yarn: (not sewing thread), of synthetic staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, n.e.c. in heading no. 5509, not put up for retail sale | 1.5% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5509.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.45 per kg, close to the world average of $3.00.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Synthetic staple yarn exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported synthetic staple yarn worth $882 thousand (298 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (37%), Eswatini (27%), Morocco (8%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+812% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $329K | 37% |
| Eswatini | $237K | 27% |
| Morocco | $73K | 8.3% |
| Botswana | $53K | 6% |
| Lesotho | $34K | 3.9% |
| Togo | $27K | 3.1% |
| Mozambique | $22K | 2.5% |
| Zambia | $18K | 2.1% |
| DR Congo | $17K | 1.9% |
| Malawi | $16K | 1.8% |
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 5509: Yarn (other than sewing thread) of synthetic staple fibres, not put up for retail sale.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic staple yarn imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported synthetic staple yarn worth $26.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 41st of 196 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 10% on 2023.
Which countries supply synthetic staple yarn to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 60% of the value ($15.8 million), followed by China (18%) and Turkey (6%). The top three together account for 83%, out of 31 supplier countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 49% on the year.
What is the average import price of synthetic staple yarn per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.45 per kg in 2024, 15% above the world average of $3.00 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 yarn to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $27.9 million in 2017 to $26.6 million in 2024, a fall of 5%. The peak was 2022 at $32.8 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export synthetic staple yarn?
Yes. South Africa exported $882 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Eswatini and Morocco. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $25.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic staple yarn?
The HS code for synthetic staple yarn is heading 5509. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 5509.32 (31% of the value) and 5509.51 (19%). It sits in HS chapter 55 (man-made staple fibres). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5509 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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