Textile rags and scrap imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $4.8 million of textile rags and scrap in 2024 (13.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 18% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 21% 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 | $4.8M | 13.1K t |
| 2023 | $4.1M | 10.5K t |
| 2022 | $3.3M | 9.1K t |
| 2021 | $4.7M | 11.6K t |
| 2020 | $2.5M | 9.2K t |
| 2019 | $2.7M | 7.2K t |
| 2018 | $2.4M | 6.0K t |
| 2017 | $1.3M | 4.2K t |
Where South Africa imports textile rags and scrap from
Pakistan alone supplied 58% of it. Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+146% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | $2.8M | 58% |
| Mozambique | $1.2M | 24% |
| United States | $259K | 5.4% |
| China | $168K | 3.5% |
| Lesotho | $136K | 2.8% |
| Eswatini | $116K | 2.4% |
| Turkey | $63K | 1.3% |
| Mauritius | $51K | 1.1% |
| Italy | $31K | 0.7% |
| United Arab Emirates | $10K | 0.2% |
Product types under HS 6310
| 6310.90 | Rags: used or new, scrap twine, cordage, rope and cables and worn out articles of twine, cordage, rope or cables, of textile materials: other than… | 70% |
| 6310.10 | Rags: used or new, scrap twine, cordage, rope and cables and worn out articles of twine, cordage, rope or cables, of textile materials: sorted | 30% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6310.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.37 per kg, 35% below the world average of $0.57, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Textile rags and scrap exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.5 million of textile rags and scrap in 2024 (997 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (27%), Mozambique (12%), Zambia (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 50%. Among the main buyer markets, Australia grew fastest (+322% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $393K | 27% |
| Mozambique | $178K | 12% |
| Zambia | $152K | 10% |
| Belgium | $130K | 9% |
| Netherlands | $129K | 8.9% |
| Botswana | $114K | 7.9% |
| Australia | $107K | 7.4% |
| DR Congo | $58K | 4% |
| Mauritania | $45K | 3.1% |
| Eswatini | $39K | 2.7% |
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 6310: Rags; used or new, scrap twine, cordage, rope and cables and worn out articles of twine, cordage, rope or cables, of textile materials.
Common questions
What is the value of textile rags and scrap imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported textile rags and scrap worth $4.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 13.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 29th of 214 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 18% on 2023.
Which countries supply textile rags and scrap to South Africa?
Pakistan was the largest supplier with 58% of the value ($2.8 million), followed by Mozambique (24%) and the United States (5%). The top three together account for 88%, out of 29 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 146% on the year.
What is the average import price of textile rags and scrap per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.37 per kg in 2024, 35% below the world average of $0.57 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 rags and scrap to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.3 million in 2017 to $4.8 million in 2024, an increase of 277%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export textile rags and scrap?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Mozambique and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for textile rags and scrap?
The HS code for textile rags and scrap is heading 6310. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 6310.90 (70% of the value) and 6310.10 (30%). 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 6310 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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