Unbleached synthetic knit fabric imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $5.3 million of unbleached synthetic knit fabric in 2024 (798 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 8% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 27% 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 | $5.3M | 799 t |
| 2023 | $4.9M | 789 t |
| 2022 | $1.6M | 400 t |
| 2021 | $1.2M | 314 t |
| 2020 | $652K | 163 t |
| 2019 | $2.5M | 322 t |
| 2018 | $2.3M | 752 t |
| 2017 | $968K | 270 t |
Where South Africa imports unbleached synthetic knit fabric from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 84% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $4.4M | 84% |
| Turkey | $468K | 8.9% |
| Thailand | $219K | 4.2% |
| Mauritius | $49K | 0.9% |
| France | $36K | 0.7% |
| Netherlands | $25K | 0.5% |
| Belgium | $23K | 0.4% |
| India | $6K | 0.1% |
| Germany | $3K | 0.1% |
| Portugal | $2K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.58 per kg, 42% above the world average of $4.64. 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 synthetic knit fabric exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $2.3 million of unbleached synthetic knit fabric in 2024 (294 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Australia accounted for 82% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest (+205% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | $1.8M | 82% |
| Lesotho | $375K | 17% |
| Eswatini | $19K | 0.8% |
| United Arab Emirates | $10K | 0.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $6K | 0.3% |
| Namibia | $2K | 0.1% |
| Saint Helena | $1K | 0% |
| Botswana | $1K | 0% |
| Hong Kong | $0K | 0% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa unbleached synthetic knit fabric imports (HS 6006.31): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 6006.31: Fabrics: knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of synthetic fibres, unbleached or bleached.
Common questions
What is the value of unbleached synthetic knit fabric imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported unbleached synthetic knit fabric worth $5.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 798 tonnes. That ranks it 43rd of 172 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 8% on 2023.
Which countries supply unbleached synthetic knit fabric to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 84% of the value ($4.4 million), followed by Turkey (9%) and Thailand (4%). The top three together account for 97%, out of 15 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 154% on the year.
What is the average import price of unbleached synthetic knit fabric per kg?
The average declared import value was about $6.58 per kg in 2024, 42% above the world average of $4.64 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of unbleached synthetic knit fabric to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $968 thousand in 2017 to $5.3 million in 2024, an increase of 443%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $2.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export unbleached synthetic knit fabric?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Australia, Lesotho and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for unbleached synthetic knit fabric?
The HS code for unbleached synthetic knit fabric is subheading 6006.31. 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?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World unbleached synthetic knit fabric trade: top importers and exporters
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.