Textile wadding exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported textile wadding worth $12.6 million (1.2 thousand tonnes). That is 21% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 30% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $16.0 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 | $12.6M | 1.2K t |
| 2023 | $16.0M | 1.5K t |
| 2022 | $9.5M | 1.3K t |
| 2021 | $12.0M | 1.7K t |
| 2020 | $7.4M | 1.0K t |
| 2019 | $4.8M | 643 t |
| 2018 | $1.8M | 275 t |
| 2017 | $2.0M | 342 t |
Where South Africa exports textile wadding to
Most of it went to Mozambique (23%), Zimbabwe (21%), Madagascar (17%). Among the main buyer markets, Madagascar grew fastest (+31% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $3.0M | 24% |
| Zimbabwe | $2.6M | 21% |
| Madagascar | $2.1M | 17% |
| Republic of the Congo | $2.1M | 17% |
| Malawi | $1.1M | 8.6% |
| Zambia | $477K | 3.8% |
| Namibia | $452K | 3.6% |
| Botswana | $449K | 3.6% |
| Eswatini | $84K | 0.7% |
| Lesotho | $60K | 0.5% |
Product types under HS 5601
| 5601.29 | Wadding: other articles thereof, other than of cotton or man-made fibres | 72% |
| 5601.22 | Wadding: other articles thereof, of man-made fibres | 21% |
| 5601.21 | Wadding: other articles thereof, of cotton | 7.4% |
| 5601.30 | Wadding: textile flock and dust and mill neps | 0.2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5601.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $10.21 per kg, 50% above the world average of $6.80. 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 wadding imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported textile wadding worth $9.3 million (1.4 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from China (30%), India (29%), Thailand (12%). Among the main suppliers, Thailand grew fastest (+176% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.8M | 30% |
| India | $2.7M | 29% |
| Thailand | $1.1M | 12% |
| Poland | $834K | 8.9% |
| Italy | $525K | 5.6% |
| Netherlands | $204K | 2.2% |
| Bulgaria | $184K | 2% |
| Indonesia | $145K | 1.6% |
| United Kingdom | $145K | 1.6% |
| Pakistan | $134K | 1.4% |
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 5601: Wadding of textile materials and articles thereof; textile fibres, not exceeding 5 mm in length (flock), textile dust and mill neps.
Common questions
What is the value of textile wadding exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported textile wadding worth $12.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 35th of 154 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 21% on 2023.
Which countries buy textile wadding from South Africa?
Mozambique was the largest buyer with 23% of the value ($3.0 million), followed by Zimbabwe (21%) and Madagascar (17%). The top three together account for 61%, out of 43 buyer countries in total. Madagascar grew fastest among the top ten, up 31% on the year.
What is the average export price of textile wadding per kg?
The average declared export value was about $10.21 per kg in 2024, 50% above the world average of $6.80 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 textile wadding from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $2.0 million in 2017 to $12.6 million in 2024, an increase of 535%. The peak was 2023 at $16.0 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import textile wadding?
Yes. South Africa imported $9.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, India and Thailand. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $3.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for textile wadding?
The HS code for textile wadding is heading 5601. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 5601.29 (71% of the value) and 5601.22 (21%). 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?
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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