Synthetic tarpaulins exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $4.6 million of synthetic tarpaulins in 2024 (594 tonnes). Value rose 16% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $6.6 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 | $4.6M | 594 t |
| 2023 | $3.9M | 543 t |
| 2022 | $6.6M | 633 t |
| 2021 | $6.0M | 720 t |
| 2020 | $2.6M | 367 t |
| 2019 | $2.7M | 458 t |
| 2018 | $3.7M | 422 t |
| 2017 | $3.2M | 477 t |
Where South Africa exports synthetic tarpaulins to
The largest buyer markets were Australia (29%), United States (15%), Namibia (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+412% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | $1.3M | 29% |
| United States | $675K | 15% |
| Namibia | $524K | 12% |
| Mozambique | $457K | 10% |
| Zimbabwe | $436K | 9.5% |
| Zambia | $324K | 7.1% |
| Botswana | $194K | 4.2% |
| DR Congo | $104K | 2.3% |
| Angola | $98K | 2.1% |
| Austria | $61K | 1.3% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.70 per kg, 46% above the world average of $5.29. 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 tarpaulins imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported synthetic tarpaulins worth $2.4 million (614 tonnes). One supplier dominates: China accounted for 79% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+43% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.9M | 79% |
| Germany | $89K | 3.7% |
| Italy | $86K | 3.5% |
| Vietnam | $82K | 3.4% |
| Netherlands | $82K | 3.4% |
| Zambia | $56K | 2.3% |
| Thailand | $41K | 1.7% |
| Hungary | $23K | 0.9% |
| Japan | $21K | 0.9% |
| South Korea | $10K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa synthetic tarpaulins exports (HS 6306.12): 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 6306.12: Tarpaulins, awnings and sunblinds: of synthetic fibres.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic tarpaulins exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported synthetic tarpaulins worth $4.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 594 tonnes. That ranks it 25th of 146 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 16% on 2023.
Which countries buy synthetic tarpaulins from South Africa?
Australia was the largest buyer with 29% of the value ($1.3 million), followed by the United States (15%) and Namibia (11%). The top three together account for 56%, out of 61 buyer countries in total. Zimbabwe grew fastest among the top ten, up 412% on the year.
What is the average export price of synthetic tarpaulins per kg?
The average declared export value was about $7.70 per kg in 2024, 46% above the world average of $5.29 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of synthetic tarpaulins from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $3.2 million in 2017 to $4.6 million in 2024, an increase of 44%. The peak was 2022 at $6.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also import synthetic tarpaulins?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Germany and Italy. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $2.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic tarpaulins?
The HS code for synthetic tarpaulins is subheading 6306.12. It sits in HS chapter 63 (textiles, made up articles; sets; worn clothing and worn textile articles; rags). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6306 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World synthetic tarpaulins trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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