Unbleached cotton knit fabric imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported unbleached cotton knit fabric worth $9.2 million (1.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. Value rose 1707% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 69% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $9.2M | 1.2K t |
| 2023 | $508K | 69 t |
| 2022 | $169K | 22 t |
| 2021 | $242K | 36 t |
| 2020 | $202K | 61 t |
| 2019 | $302K | 62 t |
| 2018 | $156K | 36 t |
| 2017 | $232K | 35 t |
Where South Africa imports unbleached cotton knit fabric from
One supplier dominates: Mauritius accounted for 97% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Mauritius grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritius | $8.9M | 97% |
| India | $165K | 1.8% |
| China | $50K | 0.6% |
| France | $28K | 0.3% |
| Netherlands | $23K | 0.3% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
| Zambia | $0K | 0% |
| Vietnam | $0K | 0% |
| Bangladesh | $0K | 0% |
| Tanzania | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.80 per kg, 41% above the world average of $5.53. 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.
Unbleached cotton knit fabric exports from South Africa
Exports of unbleached cotton knit fabric by South Africa reached $351 thousand in 2024 (53 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Botswana accounted for 67% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $234K | 67% |
| Zambia | $69K | 20% |
| Eswatini | $20K | 5.8% |
| Malawi | $18K | 5.1% |
| DR Congo | $4K | 1.2% |
| Namibia | $4K | 1% |
| Lesotho | $1K | 0.3% |
| Kenya | $1K | 0.2% |
| Mozambique | $1K | 0.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $0K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa unbleached cotton knit fabric imports (HS 6006.21): 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 6006.21: Fabrics: knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of cotton, unbleached or bleached.
Common questions
What is the value of unbleached cotton knit fabric imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported unbleached cotton knit fabric worth $9.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 17th of 157 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports.
Which countries supply unbleached cotton knit fabric to South Africa?
Mauritius was the largest supplier with 97% of the value ($8.9 million), followed by India (2%) and China (1%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 10 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 149% on the year.
What is the average import price of unbleached cotton knit fabric per kg?
The average declared import value was about $7.80 per kg in 2024, 41% above the world average of $5.53 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of unbleached cotton knit fabric to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $232 thousand in 2017 to $9.2 million in 2024. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $1.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export unbleached cotton knit fabric?
Yes. South Africa exported $351 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Zambia and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $8.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for unbleached cotton knit fabric?
The HS code for unbleached cotton knit fabric is subheading 6006.21. It sits in HS chapter 60 (fabrics; knitted or crocheted). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6006 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 unbleached cotton knit fabric trade: top importers and exporters
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