South Africa’s imports of textiles and textile articles (HS Chapters **–**) reached **,***.* million rand (~$*,***.** million) in January-July ****, down *.* per cent year on year (YoY), according to preliminary data from the South African Revenue Service (SARS). The figures include trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Namibia (BELN).
In the corresponding period of ****, imports totalled **,***.* million rand (~$*,***.** million). South Africa remains structurally dependent on imported textiles and apparel, sourcing heavily from low-cost Asian supply chains, particularly China, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Vietnam.
Meanwhile, exports of textiles and related articles remained almost steady at **,***.* million rand (~$***.** million) in the first seven months of ****, against **,***.* million rand (~$***.** million), a year earlier.
