Not carded or combed cotton market in South Africa, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The market for not carded or combed cotton in South Africa expanded through 2019, with production rising to 152.8 thousand tons and market volume reaching 150.4 thousand tons. This growth occurred during a period when the broader cotton industry reported rising input costs and tariff changes affecting cotton prices. Subsequently, a sharp contraction began in 2020, driving production down to 99.4 thousand tons and market volume to 92.4 thousand tons.

The downturn continued through 2022, with market volume falling to 56.1 thousand tons—a decline of over 60% from the 2019 peak. A modest recovery to 57.8 thousand tons occurred in 2023. Trade flows shifted notably, with exports surging to 16.2 thousand tons in 2019 before gradually declining, while imports remained volatile but trended downward through 2025.

Production not carded or combed cotton in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of not carded or combed cotton, 2018-2021

World map of production of not carded or combed cotton, 2018-2021

South Africa's production of not carded or combed cotton declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 56.3 K t, marking a 43.4% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 56.9%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 24.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 152.8 K t, with the largest year-on-year increase of 17.0% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports not carded or combed cotton from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed significant fluctuations over the period. The lowest point was in 2018, while exports peaked in 2019, with a 2.5-fold difference between these years. In 2021, South Africa exported 7 033 t of not carded or combed cotton, down 48.2% from 2020. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 16 229 t, which also saw the largest increase of 152.1% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Mauritius were the top destinations for South Africa's not carded or combed cotton exports in volume terms. Bangladesh accounted for 22.6% of exports, Vietnam for 20.0%, and Mauritius for 12.3%. Together, these three countries represented 54.9% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

After two consecutive years of decline, South Africa's not carded or combed cotton exports in value terms rebounded in 2021. Exports reached 19 741 K $ US, reflecting a strong year-on-year increase of 17.0%. Over the 2018-2021 period, however, exports decreased by 28.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -10.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 16 877 K $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 29.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Lesotho were the main buyers of South Africa's not carded or combed cotton in value terms. Bangladesh led with 30.6% of exports, followed by Vietnam at 19.6%, and Lesotho at 17.6%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 67.8% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021

Imports not carded or combed cotton to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes displayed irregular changes, indicating a volatile market. The highest volume was recorded in 2018, while the lowest occurred in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.1 times. In 2021, South Africa imported 13 006 t of not carded or combed cotton, up 98.3% from 2020. The minimum import volume was in 2020 at 6 557 t, which also saw the largest decline of 52.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Zambia and Zimbabwe dominated South Africa's imports of not carded or combed cotton in volume terms, consistently accounting for 83.4% of total imports. This high concentration highlights a reliance on these two markets, with other partners playing minor roles.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Imports peaked in 2018 and reached their lowest point in 2020, with a 2.6-fold difference between these years. In 2021, South Africa's imports of not carded or combed cotton totaled 25 174 K $ US, up 146.8% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 10 199 K $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 55.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In the 2018-2021 period, Zambia and Zimbabwe continued to be the leading sources for South Africa's not carded or combed cotton imports in value terms. Together, they accounted for 86.0% of total import flows, underscoring a high degree of market concentration, while other partners contributed smaller shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021