Worn clothing imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of worn clothing by South Africa reached $8.0 million in 2024 (19.5 thousand tonnes). Value fell 29% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $11.3 million.
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 | $8.0M | 19.5K t |
| 2023 | $11.3M | 22.7K t |
| 2022 | $9.8M | 22.4K t |
| 2021 | $10.1M | 21.6K t |
| 2020 | $8.3M | 18.9K t |
| 2019 | $8.9M | 20.6K t |
| 2018 | $9.4M | 18.6K t |
| 2017 | $7.5M | 20.5K t |
Where South Africa imports worn clothing from
The largest suppliers were Netherlands (26%), Germany (16%), Italy (14%). Among the main suppliers, Turkey grew fastest (+91% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $2.1M | 26% |
| Germany | $1.3M | 17% |
| Italy | $1.2M | 14% |
| United Arab Emirates | $987K | 12% |
| Pakistan | $700K | 8.7% |
| Turkey | $370K | 4.6% |
| Belgium | $311K | 3.9% |
| Hong Kong | $275K | 3.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $157K | 2% |
| Canada | $133K | 1.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.41 per kg, 55% below the world average of $0.91, 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.
Worn clothing exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported worn clothing worth $2.0 million (1.4 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Malawi (37%), Zambia (10%), Namibia (7%). Among the main buyer markets, Angola grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malawi | $754K | 37% |
| Zambia | $210K | 10% |
| Namibia | $138K | 6.8% |
| Angola | $93K | 4.6% |
| United Kingdom | $83K | 4.1% |
| Eswatini | $62K | 3.1% |
| Tanzania | $55K | 2.7% |
| Kenya | $55K | 2.7% |
| Zimbabwe | $55K | 2.7% |
| Botswana | $54K | 2.7% |
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 6309: Textiles; worn clothing and other worn articles.
Common questions
What is the value of worn clothing imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported worn clothing worth $8.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 19.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 85th of 214 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 29% on 2023.
Which countries supply worn clothing to South Africa?
The Netherlands was the largest supplier with 26% of the value ($2.1 million), followed by Germany (16%) and Italy (14%). The top three together account for 57%, out of 52 supplier countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 91% on the year.
What is the average import price of worn clothing per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.41 per kg in 2024, 55% below the world average of $0.91 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 worn clothing to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $7.5 million in 2017 to $8.0 million in 2024, an increase of 8%. The peak was 2023 at $11.3 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export worn clothing?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Malawi, Zambia and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $6.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for worn clothing?
The HS code for worn clothing is heading 6309. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 6309.00. It sits in HS chapter 63 (textiles, made up articles; sets; worn clothing and worn textile articles; rags). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6309 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.
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