Wool yarn for retail exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported wool yarn for retail worth $2.9 million (116 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 6% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 18% 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 | $2.9M | 116 t |
| 2023 | $3.1M | 94 t |
| 2022 | $2.6M | 102 t |
| 2021 | $2.7M | 103 t |
| 2020 | $2.5M | 79 t |
| 2019 | $1.6M | 75 t |
| 2018 | $1.2M | 63 t |
| 2017 | $899K | 59 t |
Where South Africa exports wool yarn for retail to
Most of it went to Denmark (33%), Norway (16%), Germany (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest (+94% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark | $953K | 33% |
| Norway | $448K | 16% |
| Germany | $318K | 11% |
| United States | $202K | 7% |
| United Kingdom | $174K | 6% |
| France | $117K | 4.1% |
| Namibia | $100K | 3.5% |
| Eswatini | $74K | 2.6% |
| Lesotho | $66K | 2.3% |
| Botswana | $64K | 2.2% |
Product types under HS 5109
| 5109.90 | Yarn: of wool or of fine animal hair, containing less than 85% by weight of wool or fine animal hair, put up for retail sale | 65% |
| 5109.10 | Yarn: of wool or of fine animal hair, containing 85% or more by weight of wool or fine animal hair, put up for retail sale | 35% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5109.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $24.90 per kg, 33% above the world average of $18.68. 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.
Wool yarn for retail imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $417 thousand of wool yarn for retail in 2024 (31 tonnes). Australia alone supplied 63% of it. Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+70% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | $261K | 63% |
| Italy | $42K | 10% |
| Romania | $23K | 5.5% |
| Germany | $14K | 3.5% |
| Spain | $13K | 3.1% |
| Portugal | $12K | 2.8% |
| Peru | $11K | 2.6% |
| China | $10K | 2.3% |
| United Kingdom | $7K | 1.7% |
| Netherlands | $6K | 1.5% |
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 5109: Yarn of wool or of fine animal hair, put up for retail sale.
Common questions
What is the value of wool yarn for retail exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported wool yarn for retail worth $2.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 116 tonnes. That ranks it 20th of 127 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 6% on 2023.
Which countries buy wool yarn for retail from South Africa?
Denmark was the largest buyer with 33% of the value ($953 thousand), followed by Norway (16%) and Germany (11%). The top three together account for 60%, out of 47 buyer countries in total. Lesotho grew fastest among the top ten, up 94% on the year.
What is the average export price of wool yarn for retail per kg?
The average declared export value was about $24.90 per kg in 2024, 33% above the world average of $18.68 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 exports of wool yarn for retail from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $899 thousand in 2017 to $2.9 million in 2024, an increase of 220%. The peak was 2023 at $3.1 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import wool yarn for retail?
Yes. South Africa imported $417 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Australia, Italy and Romania. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $2.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for wool yarn for retail?
The HS code for wool yarn for retail is heading 5109. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 5109.90 (65% of the value) and 5109.10 (35%). It sits in HS chapter 51 (wool, fine or coarse animal hair; horsehair yarn and woven fabric). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5109 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.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
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