Very heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported very heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric worth $9.0 million (2.0 thousand tonnes). Value rose 11% on 2023. 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 | $9.0M | 2.0K t |
| 2023 | $8.1M | 1.7K t |
| 2022 | $5.8M | 1.2K t |
| 2021 | $6.7M | 1.1K t |
| 2020 | $4.9M | 853 t |
| 2019 | $5.3M | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $6.0M | 1.2K t |
| 2017 | $6.8M | 1.1K t |
Where South Africa imports very heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric from
The largest suppliers were China (38%), Italy (22%), Turkey (10%). Among the main suppliers, Turkey grew fastest (+538% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.4M | 38% |
| Italy | $2.0M | 22% |
| Turkey | $938K | 10% |
| Thailand | $510K | 5.6% |
| United Kingdom | $390K | 4.3% |
| Germany | $311K | 3.4% |
| Czech Republic | $307K | 3.4% |
| Brazil | $191K | 2.1% |
| Spain | $184K | 2% |
| Malaysia | $166K | 1.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.57 per kg, close to the world average of $5.53.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Very heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $2.6 million of very heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric in 2024 (931 tonnes). Most of it went to Senegal (26%), Namibia (14%), Mozambique (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Senegal grew fastest (+790% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Senegal | $665K | 26% |
| Namibia | $354K | 14% |
| Mozambique | $321K | 13% |
| DR Congo | $209K | 8.1% |
| Tanzania | $204K | 7.9% |
| Zimbabwe | $176K | 6.8% |
| Zambia | $143K | 5.5% |
| Kenya | $86K | 3.3% |
| Botswana | $77K | 3% |
| Uganda | $56K | 2.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa very heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric imports (HS 5603.14): 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 5603.14: Nonwovens: whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, of man-made filaments, (weighing more than 150g/m2).
Common questions
What is the value of very heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported very heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric worth $9.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 51st of 206 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 11% on 2023.
Which countries supply very heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 38% of the value ($3.4 million), followed by Italy (22%) and Turkey (10%). The top three together account for 70%, out of 35 supplier countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 538% on the year.
What is the average import price of very heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.57 per kg in 2024, 17% below 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 very heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.8 million in 2017 to $9.0 million in 2024, an increase of 34%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $6.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export very heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Senegal, Namibia and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $6.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for very heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric?
The HS code for very heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric is subheading 5603.14. 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 5603 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 very heavy nonwoven synthetic 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.