Wadding (other materials) exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported wadding (other materials) worth $9.0 million (737 tonnes). That makes it the 2nd largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 111 countries. Value fell 12% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 77% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $9.0M | 737 t |
| 2023 | $10.2M | 812 t |
| 2022 | $5.6M | 630 t |
| 2021 | $4.1M | 501 t |
| 2020 | $1.6M | 194 t |
| 2019 | $1.0M | 130 t |
| 2018 | $212K | 39 t |
| 2017 | $168K | 40 t |
Where South Africa exports wadding (other materials) to
The largest buyer markets were Mozambique (31%), Zimbabwe (29%), Madagascar (24%). Among the main buyer markets, Madagascar grew fastest (+31% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $2.8M | 31% |
| Zimbabwe | $2.6M | 29% |
| Madagascar | $2.1M | 24% |
| Malawi | $1.1M | 12% |
| Zambia | $316K | 3.5% |
| Namibia | $47K | 0.5% |
| Botswana | $47K | 0.5% |
| Lesotho | $12K | 0.1% |
| Malaysia | $10K | 0.1% |
| Bosnia Herzegovina | $7K | 0.1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $12.20 per kg, 100% above the world average of $6.10. 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.
Wadding (other materials) imports to South Africa
Imports of wadding (other materials) by South Africa reached $292 thousand in 2024 (34 tonnes). The largest suppliers were China (47%), Indonesia (27%), Netherlands (18%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $138K | 47% |
| Indonesia | $80K | 27% |
| Netherlands | $51K | 18% |
| Italy | $17K | 5.7% |
| India | $3K | 1.1% |
| United Kingdom | $1K | 0.5% |
| Germany | $1K | 0.3% |
| United States | $1K | 0.2% |
| Taiwan | $0K | 0.1% |
| Japan | $0K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa wadding (other materials) exports (HS 5601.29): 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 5601.29: Wadding: other articles thereof, other than of cotton or man-made fibres.
Common questions
What is the value of wadding (other materials) exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported wadding (other materials) worth $9.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 737 tonnes. That ranks it 2nd of 111 countries worldwide, with 15% of world exports. The value was down 12% on 2023.
Which countries buy wadding (other materials) from South Africa?
Mozambique was the largest buyer with 31% of the value ($2.8 million), followed by Zimbabwe (29%) and Madagascar (24%). The top three together account for 83%, out of 20 buyer countries in total. Namibia grew fastest among the top ten, up 61% on the year.
What is the average export price of wadding (other materials) per kg?
The average declared export value was about $12.20 per kg in 2024, 100% above the world average of $6.10 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of wadding (other materials) from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $168 thousand in 2017 to $9.0 million in 2024. The peak was 2023 at $10.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also import wadding (other materials)?
Yes. South Africa imported $292 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Indonesia and the Netherlands. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $8.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for wadding (other materials)?
The HS code for wadding (other materials) is subheading 5601.29. 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 5601 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World wadding (other materials) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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