Synthetic wadding exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $2.6 million of synthetic wadding in 2024 (300 tonnes). Value fell 44% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 15% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $6.8 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 | $2.6M | 300 t |
| 2023 | $4.7M | 462 t |
| 2022 | $3.0M | 469 t |
| 2021 | $6.8M | 957 t |
| 2020 | $4.9M | 633 t |
| 2019 | $2.7M | 319 t |
| 2018 | $667K | 91 t |
| 2017 | $1.0M | 154 t |
Where South Africa exports synthetic wadding to
One buyer market dominates: Republic of the Congo accounted for 81% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+350% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Republic of the Congo | $2.1M | 81% |
| Mozambique | $149K | 5.7% |
| Botswana | $136K | 5.2% |
| Zambia | $110K | 4.2% |
| Rwanda | $51K | 1.9% |
| Malaysia | $10K | 0.4% |
| Germany | $9K | 0.3% |
| Angola | $8K | 0.3% |
| Mauritius | $6K | 0.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $6K | 0.2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.78 per kg, close to the world average of $10.32.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Synthetic wadding imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported synthetic wadding worth $1.8 million (156 tonnes). Most of the value came from Poland (46%), Thailand (19%), Bulgaria (10%). Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+154% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Poland | $816K | 46% |
| Thailand | $337K | 19% |
| Bulgaria | $184K | 10% |
| Pakistan | $134K | 7.6% |
| United States | $83K | 4.7% |
| China | $69K | 3.9% |
| Indonesia | $52K | 2.9% |
| Italy | $30K | 1.7% |
| Spain | $26K | 1.5% |
| Philippines | $14K | 0.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa synthetic wadding exports (HS 5601.22): 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 5601.22: Wadding: other articles thereof, of man-made fibres.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic wadding exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported synthetic wadding worth $2.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 300 tonnes. That ranks it 44th of 117 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 44% on 2023.
Which countries buy synthetic wadding from South Africa?
The Republic of the Congo was the largest buyer with 81% of the value ($2.1 million), followed by Mozambique (6%) and Botswana (5%). The top three together account for 92%, out of 24 buyer countries in total. Zambia grew fastest among the top ten, up 350% on the year.
What is the average export price of synthetic wadding per kg?
The average declared export value was about $8.78 per kg in 2024, 15% below the world average of $10.32 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of synthetic wadding from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $1.0 million in 2017 to $2.6 million in 2024, an increase of 160%. The peak was 2021 at $6.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also import synthetic wadding?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Poland, Thailand and Bulgaria. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $869 thousand a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic wadding?
The HS code for synthetic wadding is subheading 5601.22. It sits in HS chapter 56 (wadding, felt and nonwovens, special yarns; twine, cordage, ropes and cables and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5601 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.
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