Textile finish imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported textile finish worth $30.3 million (15.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 16% on 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 | $30.3M | 15.2K t |
| 2023 | $26.2M | 11.0K t |
| 2022 | $27.3M | 10.5K t |
| 2021 | $22.4M | 9.3K t |
| 2020 | $19.0M | 8.9K t |
| 2019 | $23.9M | 10.8K t |
| 2018 | $26.0M | 11.4K t |
| 2017 | $26.5M | 12.0K t |
Where South Africa imports textile finish from
The largest suppliers were Spain (22%), Germany (18%), Belgium (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 49%. Among the main suppliers, Belgium grew fastest (+634% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | $6.7M | 22% |
| Germany | $5.4M | 18% |
| Belgium | $2.7M | 9% |
| China | $2.1M | 6.9% |
| Austria | $2.0M | 6.7% |
| United States | $1.9M | 6.4% |
| Vietnam | $1.8M | 6.1% |
| Italy | $1.3M | 4.3% |
| Taiwan | $1.2M | 3.9% |
| India | $1.2M | 3.9% |
Product types under HS 3809
| 3809.91 | Finishing agents and dye carriers: to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in the textile industry… | 64% |
| 3809.92 | Finishing agents and dye carriers: to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in the paper industry… | 19% |
| 3809.93 | Finishing agents and dye carriers: to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in the leather or like… | 16% |
| 3809.10 | Finishing agents and dye carriers: to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in textile, paper, leather etc… | 2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3809.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.99 per kg, 26% above the world average of $1.58. 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.
Textile finish exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported textile finish worth $8.1 million (4.0 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Zimbabwe (23%), Namibia (11%), Mauritius (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 43%. Among the main buyer markets, Madagascar grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $1.9M | 23% |
| Namibia | $859K | 11% |
| Mauritius | $762K | 9.5% |
| Australia | $690K | 8.6% |
| Eswatini | $465K | 5.8% |
| Tanzania | $420K | 5.2% |
| Madagascar | $383K | 4.8% |
| Kenya | $375K | 4.7% |
| Indonesia | $270K | 3.3% |
| Brazil | $250K | 3.1% |
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 3809: Finishing agents, dye carriers to accelerate the dyeing, fixing of dyestuffs, other products and preparations, of a kind used in the textile, paper, leather or like industries, n.e.c. or included.
Common questions
What is the value of textile finish imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported textile finish worth $30.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 15.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 43rd of 217 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 16% on 2023.
Which countries supply textile finish to South Africa?
Spain was the largest supplier with 22% of the value ($6.7 million), followed by Germany (18%) and Belgium (9%). The top three together account for 49%, out of 39 supplier countries in total. Belgium grew fastest among the top ten, up 634% on the year.
What is the average import price of textile finish per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.99 per kg in 2024, 26% above the world average of $1.58 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 textile finish to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $26.5 million in 2017 to $30.3 million in 2024, an increase of 14%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export textile finish?
Yes. South Africa exported $8.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Namibia and Mauritius. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $22.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for textile finish?
The HS code for textile finish is heading 3809. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3809.91 (64% of the value) and 3809.92 (19%). It sits in HS chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3809 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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