South Africa’s textile imports saw a significant increase of 21%, reaching $646 million in the first two months of 2025. This growth comes despite a slight decline in February’s import figures. The country’s textile industry has been experiencing steady demand, with imports increasing notably from January to February, driven by an expanding market for various textile goods.
Exports also showed a modest uptick, rising 2.1% year-on-year, with a 5.8% month-on-month increase in February. While the export figures were not as striking as imports, the growth still signals positive momentum for South Africa’s textile sector. This surge in imports reflects a robust domestic demand for textiles and apparel, as well as South Africa’s role as a key importer in the African continent.
In comparison to previous years, the textile trade has shown resilience, with both imports and exports demonstrating an upward trajectory. The country’s textile market is expected to continue benefiting from both local and international trends that bolster its import and export activities in 2025.
