South Africa's textile imports up 7% to $900 mn in Jan-Mar 2025

Official merchandise trade statistics reveal that during the same period in 2024, the country imported textiles and textile articles worth 15,641.6 million rand. South Africa continues to be a net importer in this product segment.

Exports of textiles and related products edged up by 7.4 per cent, reaching 5,921.3 million rand (~$318.52 million) in the first three months of 2025, compared to 5,510.8 million rand in the corresponding period of 2024.

In March 2025, South Africa’s imports of textiles and textile articles under Chapters 50–63 stood at 4,845.1 million rand (~$260.64 million), reflecting a 14.3 per cent decrease from imports of 5,652.4 million rand in February 2025.

Exports under the same chapters rose by 33.1 per cent to 2,619.0 million rand (~$140.89 million) in March 2025, from 1,967.7 million rand in February 2025.

South Africa’s imports of textile products declined in February 2025 on a month-on-month basis, while exports of these goods increased significantly during the same period.

In 2024, the country’s imports of textiles and textile articles reached 65,476.0 million rand (~$3,551.95 million), up 10 per cent from 59,528.9 million rand in 2023. Exports of textiles and related products edged up by 1.8 per cent, amounting to 23,578.8 million rand (~$1,279.11 million) in 2024, compared to 23,155.9 million rand in 2023.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KUL)