Synthetic tow imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $22.0 million of synthetic tow in 2024 (5.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. That is 57% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 12% 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 | $22.0M | 5.4K t |
| 2023 | $14.0M | 4.2K t |
| 2022 | $14.1M | 2.8K t |
| 2021 | $13.4M | 3.0K t |
| 2020 | $11.2M | 3.1K t |
| 2019 | $13.2M | 3.7K t |
| 2018 | $13.3M | 3.4K t |
| 2017 | $9.9M | 2.8K t |
Where South Africa imports synthetic tow from
The largest suppliers were Turkey (46%), Japan (43%), Thailand (3%). Among the main suppliers, Turkey grew fastest (+162% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | $10.1M | 46% |
| Japan | $9.5M | 43% |
| Thailand | $721K | 3.3% |
| South Korea | $596K | 2.7% |
| Peru | $350K | 1.6% |
| China | $348K | 1.6% |
| Malaysia | $239K | 1.1% |
| Portugal | $78K | 0.4% |
| Nigeria | $54K | 0.3% |
| Belgium | $21K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 5501
| 5501.30 | Fibres: synthetic filament tow, acrylic or modacrylic | 93% |
| 5501.90 | Fibres: synthetic filament tow, of synthetic materials n.e.c. in heading no. 5501 | 4.5% |
| 5501.20 | Fibres: synthetic filament tow, of polyesters | 1.5% |
| 5501.40 | Fibres: synthetic filament tow, of polypropylene | 1.1% |
| 5501.10 | Fibres: synthetic filament tow, of nylon or other polyamides | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5501.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.10 per kg, 31% above the world average of $3.14. 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 tow exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $17.9 million of synthetic tow in 2024 (7.0 thousand tonnes). It ranks 9th of 91 countries for exports of this product. Most of it went to Kenya (27%), Zambia (21%), Uganda (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Togo grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | $4.8M | 27% |
| Zambia | $3.7M | 21% |
| Uganda | $1.7M | 9.6% |
| Mozambique | $1.5M | 8.2% |
| Nigeria | $1.5M | 8.1% |
| Tanzania | $1.3M | 7.4% |
| Eswatini | $983K | 5.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $756K | 4.2% |
| Togo | $349K | 2% |
| Ghana | $317K | 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 5501: Synthetic filament tow.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic tow imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported synthetic tow worth $22.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 13th of 167 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 57% on 2023.
Which countries supply synthetic tow to South Africa?
Turkey was the largest supplier with 46% of the value ($10.1 million), followed by Japan (43%) and Thailand (3%). The top three together account for 92%, out of 24 supplier countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 162% on the year.
What is the average import price of synthetic tow per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.10 per kg in 2024, 31% above the world average of $3.14 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 tow to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $9.9 million in 2017 to $22.0 million in 2024, an increase of 123%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export synthetic tow?
Yes. South Africa exported $17.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Kenya, Zambia and Uganda. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $4.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic tow?
The HS code for synthetic tow is heading 5501. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 5501.30 (93% of the value) and 5501.90 (4%). It sits in HS chapter 55 (man-made staple fibres). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5501 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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