Warp knit fabric imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported warp knit fabric worth $54.2 million (15.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 42% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% 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 | $54.2M | 15.2K t |
| 2023 | $38.1M | 9.6K t |
| 2022 | $42.7M | 9.7K t |
| 2021 | $57.6M | 16.9K t |
| 2020 | $27.7M | 9.8K t |
| 2019 | $33.6M | 9.4K t |
| 2018 | $34.1M | 8.6K t |
| 2017 | $30.4M | 11.6K t |
Where South Africa imports warp knit fabric from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 79% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+52% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $42.8M | 79% |
| Hungary | $2.0M | 3.8% |
| Italy | $1.5M | 2.8% |
| Germany | $1.3M | 2.5% |
| Taiwan | $1.3M | 2.3% |
| South Korea | $1.1M | 2% |
| United Kingdom | $696K | 1.3% |
| Thailand | $615K | 1.1% |
| Spain | $508K | 0.9% |
| Israel | $468K | 0.9% |
Product types under HS 6005
| 6005.37 | Fabrics: warp knit (including those made on galloon knitting machines), other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of synthetic fibres, dyed | 48% |
| 6005.36 | Fabrics: warp knit (including those made on galloon knitting machines), other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of synthetic fibres, bleached or… | 17% |
| 6005.41 | Fabrics: warp knit (including those made on galloon knitting machines), other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of artificial fibres, bleached… | 15% |
| 6005.38 | Fabrics: warp knit (including those made on galloon knitting machines), other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of synthetic fibres, yarns of… | 9.5% |
| 6005.39 | Fabrics: warp knit (including those made on galloon knitting machines), other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of synthetic fibres, printed | 5.4% |
| 6005.35 | Fabrics: warp knit (including those made on galloon knitting machines), other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of synthetic fibres specified in… | 2% |
| 6005.42 | Fabrics: warp knit (including those made on galloon knitting machines), other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of artificial fibres, dyed | 1.2% |
| 6005.22 | Fabrics: warp knit (including those made on galloon knitting machines), other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of cotton, dyed | 1.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6005.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.56 per kg, 37% below the world average of $5.69, 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.
Warp knit fabric exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported warp knit fabric worth $2.7 million (310 tonnes). Most of it went to China (19%), Germany (17%), Namibia (14%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 50%. Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest (+278% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $511K | 19% |
| Germany | $476K | 17% |
| Namibia | $371K | 14% |
| Israel | $272K | 9.9% |
| New Zealand | $210K | 7.7% |
| Zimbabwe | $191K | 7% |
| Tanzania | $82K | 3% |
| Eswatini | $65K | 2.4% |
| Australia | $65K | 2.4% |
| United Arab Emirates | $57K | 2.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
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.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 6005: Fabrics; warp knit (including those made on galloon knitting machines), other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04.
Common questions
What is the value of warp knit fabric imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported warp knit fabric worth $54.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 15.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 15th of 195 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 42% on 2023.
Which countries supply warp knit fabric to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 79% of the value ($42.8 million), followed by Hungary (4%) and Italy (3%). The top three together account for 85%, out of 38 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 401% on the year.
What is the average import price of warp knit fabric per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.56 per kg in 2024, 37% below the world average of $5.69 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of warp knit fabric to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $30.4 million in 2017 to $54.2 million in 2024, an increase of 78%. The peak was 2021 at $57.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export warp knit fabric?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to China, Germany and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $51.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for warp knit fabric?
The HS code for warp knit fabric is heading 6005. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 6005.37 (48% of the value) and 6005.36 (17%). It sits in HS chapter 60 (fabrics; knitted or crocheted). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6005 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
More trade data for South Africa
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