Tarpaulins and tents exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of tarpaulins and tents by South Africa reached $57.0 million in 2024 (5.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 6% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $57.0M | 5.4K t |
| 2023 | $60.9M | 5.4K t |
| 2022 | $64.7M | 5.5K t |
| 2021 | $63.4M | 5.2K t |
| 2020 | $37.1M | 3.8K t |
| 2019 | $45.2M | 4.4K t |
| 2018 | $45.9M | 4.5K t |
| 2017 | $44.6M | 5.3K t |
Where South Africa exports tarpaulins and tents to
Most of it went to Namibia (13%), Australia (11%), Botswana (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 32%. Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+69% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $7.3M | 13% |
| Australia | $6.2M | 11% |
| Botswana | $5.0M | 8.8% |
| United States | $3.5M | 6.1% |
| United Kingdom | $3.3M | 5.8% |
| Zambia | $2.9M | 5.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $2.9M | 5.1% |
| Netherlands | $2.4M | 4.3% |
| France | $2.1M | 3.7% |
| Belgium | $1.9M | 3.3% |
Product types under HS 6306
| 6306.29 | Tents: of textile materials other than synthetic fibres | 44% |
| 6306.22 | Tents: of synthetic fibres | 23% |
| 6306.90 | Camping goods: (of textile materials), n.e.c in heading no. 6306 | 10% |
| 6306.19 | Tarpaulins, awnings and sunblinds: of textile materials other than synthetic fibres | 9.1% |
| 6306.12 | Tarpaulins, awnings and sunblinds: of synthetic fibres | 8% |
| 6306.30 | Sails: for boats, sailboards or landcraft | 5.4% |
| 6306.40 | Camping goods: pneumatic mattresses | 1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6306.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $10.53 per kg, 73% above the world average of $6.10. 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.
Tarpaulins and tents imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported tarpaulins and tents worth $19.0 million (5.3 thousand tonnes). China alone supplied 78% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+53% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $14.7M | 78% |
| Bangladesh | $1.7M | 8.7% |
| Spain | $376K | 2% |
| South Korea | $322K | 1.7% |
| United Kingdom | $185K | 1% |
| United States | $172K | 0.9% |
| Vietnam | $141K | 0.7% |
| Germany | $139K | 0.7% |
| Thailand | $116K | 0.6% |
| Italy | $110K | 0.6% |
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 6306: Tarpaulins, awnings and sunblinds; tents (including temporary canopies and similar articles); sails for boats, sailboards or landcraft; camping goods.
Common questions
What is the value of tarpaulins and tents exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported tarpaulins and tents worth $57.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 18th of 185 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 6% on 2023.
Which countries buy tarpaulins and tents from South Africa?
Namibia was the largest buyer with 13% of the value ($7.3 million), followed by Australia (11%) and Botswana (9%). The top three together account for 32%, out of 118 buyer countries in total. Zimbabwe grew fastest among the top ten, up 69% on the year.
What is the average export price of tarpaulins and tents per kg?
The average declared export value was about $10.53 per kg in 2024, 73% above the world average of $6.10 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 tarpaulins and tents from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $44.6 million in 2017 to $57.0 million in 2024, an increase of 28%. The peak was 2022 at $64.7 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import tarpaulins and tents?
Yes. South Africa imported $19.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Bangladesh and Spain. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $38.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for tarpaulins and tents?
The HS code for tarpaulins and tents is heading 6306. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 6306.29 (44% of the value) and 6306.22 (23%). 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?
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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