Textured polyester yarn imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $19.8 million of textured polyester yarn in 2024 (11.1 thousand tonnes). That is close to the 2023 level. 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 | $19.8M | 11.1K t |
| 2023 | $19.9M | 11.4K t |
| 2022 | $20.0M | 9.7K t |
| 2021 | $19.5M | 10.2K t |
| 2020 | $12.9M | 8.5K t |
| 2019 | $18.8M | 9.8K t |
| 2018 | $23.5M | 11.6K t |
| 2017 | $20.5M | 11.4K t |
Where South Africa imports textured polyester yarn from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 52% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+45% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $10.2M | 52% |
| India | $3.3M | 17% |
| Indonesia | $2.2M | 11% |
| Taiwan | $1.2M | 6.2% |
| Italy | $1.1M | 5.7% |
| Switzerland | $604K | 3.1% |
| Luxembourg | $293K | 1.5% |
| Malaysia | $288K | 1.5% |
| South Korea | $197K | 1% |
| Thailand | $88K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.78 per kg, close to the world average of $1.72.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Textured polyester yarn exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported textured polyester yarn worth $236 thousand (103 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Vietnam (41%), Lesotho (31%), Zimbabwe (9%). Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | $98K | 41% |
| Lesotho | $73K | 31% |
| Zimbabwe | $20K | 8.5% |
| Namibia | $18K | 7.5% |
| Hong Kong | $12K | 5.1% |
| Eswatini | $11K | 4.5% |
| Zambia | $3K | 1.2% |
| Botswana | $2K | 0.8% |
| Nigeria | $0K | 0.1% |
| Mauritius | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa textured polyester yarn imports (HS 5402.33): 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 5402.33: Yarn, synthetic: filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), textured, of polyesters, not for retail sale, not sewing thread.
Common questions
What is the value of textured polyester yarn imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported textured polyester yarn worth $19.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 11.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 45th of 174 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 1% on 2023.
Which countries supply textured polyester yarn to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 52% of the value ($10.2 million), followed by India (17%) and Indonesia (11%). The top three together account for 79%, out of 20 supplier countries in total. South Korea grew fastest among the top ten, up 173% on the year.
What is the average import price of textured polyester yarn per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.78 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $1.72 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of textured polyester yarn to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $20.5 million in 2017 to $19.8 million in 2024, a fall of 3%. The peak was 2018 at $23.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $19.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export textured polyester yarn?
Yes. South Africa exported $236 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Vietnam, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $19.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for textured polyester yarn?
The HS code for textured polyester yarn is subheading 5402.33. It sits in HS chapter 54 (man-made filaments; strip and the like of man-made textile materials). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5402 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.
Same product, other countries
World textured polyester yarn trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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