Unsorted textile rags imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of unsorted textile rags by South Africa reached $3.4 million in 2024 (8.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 39% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 24% 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 | $3.4M | 8.6K t |
| 2023 | $2.4M | 7.2K t |
| 2022 | $2.4M | 7.1K t |
| 2021 | $2.8M | 8.5K t |
| 2020 | $1.8M | 7.4K t |
| 2019 | $921K | 4.0K t |
| 2018 | $702K | 2.7K t |
| 2017 | $750K | 2.5K t |
Where South Africa imports unsorted textile rags from
One supplier dominates: Pakistan accounted for 69% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Pakistan grew fastest (+62% on the year before).
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.39 per kg, 26% below the world average of $0.53, 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.
Unsorted textile rags exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $885 thousand of unsorted textile rags in 2024 (560 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (33%), Zambia (16%), Belgium (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest (+750% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $293K | 33% |
| Zambia | $145K | 16% |
| Belgium | $130K | 15% |
| Botswana | $91K | 10% |
| Mozambique | $68K | 7.7% |
| DR Congo | $35K | 4% |
| Eswatini | $35K | 3.9% |
| Malawi | $18K | 2.1% |
| Lesotho | $16K | 1.8% |
| Gabon | $15K | 1.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa unsorted textile rags imports (HS 6310.90): 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 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 sorted.
Common questions
What is the value of unsorted textile rags imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported unsorted textile rags worth $3.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 8.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 21st of 207 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 39% on 2023.
Which countries supply unsorted textile rags to South Africa?
Pakistan was the largest supplier with 69% of the value ($2.3 million), followed by Mozambique (17%) and China (4%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 23 supplier countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 129% on the year.
What is the average import price of unsorted textile rags per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.39 per kg in 2024, 26% below the world average of $0.53 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of unsorted textile rags to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $750 thousand in 2017 to $3.4 million in 2024, an increase of 350%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $1.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export unsorted textile rags?
Yes. South Africa exported $885 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Zambia and Belgium. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for unsorted textile rags?
The HS code for unsorted textile rags is subheading 6310.90. 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?
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 unsorted textile rags trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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