Report Update Feb 1, 2025

South Africa - T-Shirts - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights

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South Africa: T-Shirt Market 2025

T-Shirt Market Size in South Africa

The South African t-shirt market contracted markedly to $X in 2022, declining by -24% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Overall, consumption saw a pronounced curtailment. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X, and then dropped remarkably in the following year.

T-Shirt Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2022, the amount of t-shirts exported from South Africa skyrocketed to X units, rising by 99% on 2021 figures. In general, exports, however, recorded a slight descent. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X units in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, t-shirt exports surged to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a noticeable shrinkage. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Mozambique (X units) was the main destination for t-shirt exports from South Africa, accounting for a 39% share of total exports. Moreover, t-shirt exports to Mozambique exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Namibia (X units), threefold. The third position in this ranking was held by Botswana (X units), with a 12% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to Mozambique totaled +22.7%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Namibia (-10.4% per year) and Botswana (-10.0% per year).

In value terms, Botswana ($X), Namibia ($X) and Mozambique ($X) constituted the largest markets for t-shirt exported from South Africa worldwide, together comprising 61% of total exports. Swaziland, Lesotho, Mauritius, the UK, Zambia and Zimbabwe lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 22%.

Mauritius, with a CAGR of +16.3%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average t-shirt export price stood at $X per unit in 2022, shrinking by -29.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price saw a noticeable contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 64%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per unit, and then reduced markedly in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Zimbabwe ($X per unit), while the average price for exports to Mozambique ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Zimbabwe (+5.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

T-Shirt Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2022, the amount of t-shirts imported into South Africa contracted sharply to X units, dropping by -29.1% compared with the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, imports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 140% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of X units, and then shrank dramatically in the following year.

In value terms, t-shirt imports dropped to $X in 2022. Overall, imports saw a noticeable contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when imports increased by 25%. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

China (X units), India (X units) and Mauritius (X units) were the main suppliers of t-shirt imports to South Africa, together comprising 92% of total imports. Tanzania and Turkey lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 3.1%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Turkey (with a CAGR of +21.9%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($X), Mauritius ($X) and India ($X) appeared to be the largest t-shirt suppliers to South Africa, together accounting for 79% of total imports. Tanzania and Turkey lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 4.4%.

In terms of the main suppliers, Tanzania, with a CAGR of +12.0%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average t-shirt import price amounted to $X per unit, rising by 27% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, saw a perceptible shrinkage. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the peak figure at $X per unit in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Tanzania ($X per unit), while the price for India ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (-1.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

What are the largest markets for t-shirts in the world?

The countries with the highest volumes of in 2021 were China, the United States and Germany, with a combined 35% share of global consumption. These countries were followed by the UK, Japan, France, Mexico, Indonesia, Italy, Pakistan, Poland, Ethiopia and South Korea, which together accounted for a further 27%.

What are the largest producers of t-shirts in the world?

The countries with the highest volumes of in 2021 were China, Bangladesh and India, together accounting for 44% of global production. Turkey, Pakistan, Honduras, Vietnam, Indonesia, Mexico, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Ethiopia and Cambodia lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 31%.

What are the leading suppliers of t-shirts to South Africa?

In value terms, the largest t-shirt suppliers to South Africa were China, India and Mauritius, with a combined 61% share of total imports. These countries were followed by Madagascar, Swaziland, Lesotho and the United Arab Emirates, which together accounted for a further 28%.

What are the leading importers of t-shirts from South Africa?

In value terms, Namibia, Botswana and Swaziland appeared to be the largest markets for t-shirt exported from South Africa worldwide, with a combined 69% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Lesotho, Mozambique, Zambia and Kenya, which together accounted for a further 22%.

What is the average export price for t-shirts in South Africa?

In 2020, the average t-shirt export price amounted to $3.9 per unit, shrinking by -28.2% against the previous year.

What is the average import price for t-shirts in South Africa?

The average t-shirt import price stood at $2.6 per unit in 2020, which is down by -9.7% against the previous year.

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the t-shirt market in South Africa. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.

Product coverage:

Prodcom 14143000 - T-shirts, singlets and vests, knitted or crocheted

Country coverage:

South Africa

Data coverage:

Market volume and value
Per Capita consumption
Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term
Trade (exports and imports) in South Africa
Export and import prices
Market trends, drivers and restraints
Key market players and their profiles

Reasons to buy this report:

Take advantage of the latest data
Find deeper insights into current market developments
Discover vital success factors affecting the market

This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, and wholesalers, as well as for investors, consultants and advisors.

In this report, you can find information that helps you to make informed decisions on the following issues:

How to diversify your business and benefit from new market opportunities
How to load your idle production capacity
How to boost your sales on overseas markets
How to increase your profit margins
How to make your supply chain more sustainable
How to reduce your production and supply chain costs
How to outsource production to other countries
How to prepare your business for global expansion

While doing this research, we combine the accumulated expertise of our analysts and the capabilities of artificial intelligence. The AI-based platform, developed by our data scientists, constitutes the key working tool for business analysts, empowering them to discover deep insights and ideas from the marketing data.

1. INTRODUCTION

Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business
1. REPORT DESCRIPTION
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND AI PLATFORM
3. DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
4. GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A Quick Overview of Market Performance
1. KEY FINDINGS
2. MARKET TRENDS This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
3. MARKET OVERVIEW

Understanding the Current State of The Market and Its Prospects
1. MARKET SIZE
2. MARKET STRUCTURE
3. TRADE BALANCE
4. PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION
5. MARKET FORECAST TO 2030
4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCT

Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
1. TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
2. BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
3. MOST CONSUMED PRODUCT
4. MOST TRADED PRODUCT
5. MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCT FOR EXPORT
5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES

Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
1. TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
2. TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
3. TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
4. LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES
6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS

Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Exports
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
1. TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
2. TOP CONSUMING MARKETS
3. UNSATURATED MARKETS
4. TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
5. MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS
7. PRODUCTION

The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry
1. PRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE
8. IMPORTS
The Largest Import Supplying Countries
1. IMPORTS FROM 2012–2024
2. IMPORTS BY COUNTRY
3. IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY
9. EXPORTS
The Largest Destinations for Exports
1. EXPORTS FROM 2012–2024
2. EXPORTS BY COUNTRY
3. EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY
10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
LIST OF TABLES
1. Key Findings In 2024
2. Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
3. Market Value, 2012–2024
4. Per Capita Consumption In 2012-2024
5. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
6. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
7. Import Prices, By Country Of Origin, 2012–2024
8. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
9. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
10. Export Prices, By Country Of Destination, 2012–2024
LIST OF FIGURES
1. Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
2. Market Value, 2012–2024
3. Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, In Physical Terms, 2012-2024
4. Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, In Value Terms, 2012-2024
5. Trade Balance, In Physical Terms, 2012-2024
6. Trade Balance, In Value Terms, 2012-2024
7. Per Capita Consumption, 2012-2024
8. Market Volume Forecast to 2030
9. Market Value Forecast to 2030
10. Products: Market Size And Growth, By Type
11. Products: Average Per Capita Consumption, By Type
12. Products: Exports And Growth, By Type
13. Products: Export Prices And Growth, By Type
14. Production Volume And Growth
15. Exports And Growth
16. Export Prices And Growth
17. Market Size And Growth
18. Per Capita Consumption
19. Imports And Growth
20. Import Prices
21. Production, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
22. Production, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
23. Imports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
24. Imports, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
25. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
26. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
27. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
28. Import Prices, By Country Of Origin, 2012–2024
29. Exports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
30. Exports, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
31. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
32. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
33. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
34. Export Prices, By Country Of Destination, 2012–2024