Wide elastic knit fabric imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of wide elastic knit fabric by South Africa reached $13.0 million in 2024 (62 tonnes). That makes it the 8th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 149 countries. That is 79% more than in 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 | $13.0M | 62 t |
| 2023 | $7.2M | 124 t |
| 2022 | $3.7M | 66 t |
| 2021 | $7.9M | 3.5K t |
| 2020 | $10.8M | 310 t |
| 2019 | $7.3M | 631 t |
| 2018 | $5.2M | 158 t |
| 2017 | $9.8M | 315 t |
Where South Africa imports wide elastic knit fabric from
China alone supplied 96% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+101% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $12.4M | 96% |
| Poland | $317K | 2.4% |
| Cambodia | $75K | 0.6% |
| Indonesia | $71K | 0.6% |
| Italy | $49K | 0.4% |
| Egypt | $34K | 0.3% |
| South Korea | $4K | 0% |
| Brazil | $2K | 0% |
| Spain | $1K | 0% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $207.78 per kg, 2497% above the world average of $8.00. 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.
Wide elastic knit fabric exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $434 thousand of wide elastic knit fabric in 2024 (70 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Eswatini accounted for 90% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest (+167% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $388K | 90% |
| Zimbabwe | $20K | 4.5% |
| Namibia | $10K | 2.3% |
| Lesotho | $7K | 1.6% |
| Botswana | $4K | 0.9% |
| Zambia | $2K | 0.5% |
| Malawi | $2K | 0.4% |
| France | $1K | 0.2% |
| United Kingdom | $0K | 0.1% |
| Germany | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa wide elastic knit fabric imports (HS 6004.90): 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 6004.90: Fabrics: knitted or crocheted, other than those of heading 60.01, of a width exceeding 30 cm, containing by weight 5% or more of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread,.
Common questions
What is the value of wide elastic knit fabric imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported wide elastic knit fabric worth $13.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 62 tonnes. That ranks it 8th of 149 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 79% on 2023.
Which countries supply wide elastic knit fabric to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 96% of the value ($12.4 million), followed by Poland (2%) and Cambodia (1%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 21 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 272% on the year.
What is the average import price of wide elastic knit fabric per kg?
The average declared import value was about $207.78 per kg in 2024, 2497% above the world average of $8.00 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of wide elastic knit fabric to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $9.8 million in 2017 to $13.0 million in 2024, an increase of 32%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $8.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export wide elastic knit fabric?
Yes. South Africa exported $434 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $12.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for wide elastic knit fabric?
The HS code for wide elastic knit fabric is subheading 6004.90. It sits in HS chapter 60 (fabrics; knitted or crocheted). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6004 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 wide elastic knit fabric trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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