South Africa’s textile imports surged by 8.4% in the first nine months of 2024, according to the latest trade data. The surge in imports highlights the country’s growing demand for textiles as industries seek to meet the needs of domestic and international markets.

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Overall, South Africa imported about $3.1 billion worth of textiles between January and September 2024. The growth is attributed to a variety of factors, including the expansion of the local apparel industry, increased consumer demand, and the need to support local manufacturing capabilities.

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The data shows that major textile imports include fabrics, apparel, and home textiles. South Africa remains highly dependent on imports to meet its textile needs, with suppliers from countries such as China, India, and Bangladesh playing a key role in trade dynamics. Textile imports are expected to continue to grow, supported by South Africa’s efforts to modernize its manufacturing industry and meet the growing demand for high-quality textiles.
The growth in imports highlights the importance of textiles in the South African economy, but also highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing local manufacturers and international suppliers.