Where Does South Africa Import Clothes From? Top Sources, Duties and Suppliers

Where does South Africa import clothes from? Mostly from China, which supplies around half of all apparel imports, followed by neighbouring producers in Southern Africa, such as Eswatini, Lesotho, Mauritius, and Madagascar, and Asian suppliers such as Bangladesh and India. South Africa’s high duty on clothing shapes this map more than anywhere else: most finished garments pay up to 45% duty, while regional neighbours trade duty free. This guide explains South Africa clothing imports by source, how the duty system works, and how South African brands choose where to source.

Where Does South Africa Import Clothes From? The Top Sources

South Africa imported around $1.6 billion to $1.8 billion of apparel a year in recent years, with China consistently holding about half. Shares differ between knitted and woven clothing, so check the latest South African Revenue Service and trade data for your product code before costing.

Why the Duty System Shapes South Africa Clothing Imports

South Africa protects its domestic clothing industry with some of the highest clothing duties in the world. Most finished garments from outside the region pay up to 45% duty, plus 15% VAT, so a garment’s landed cost can rise by well over half its factory price. Since July 2024, even small online orders under R500 pay the same duties as larger shipments. Garments from Southern African Customs Union members such as Eswatini and Lesotho enter duty free, and Southern African Development Community members such as Mauritius and Madagascar enjoy preferential access, which is why these smaller producers rank so highly. India and China, by contrast, both pay the standard rate.

Local Production in South Africa

South Africa still has a meaningful local industry, concentrated in Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg, and supported by government programmes that encourage retailers to buy locally. Local factories focus on quick-response orders for local retailers, school and corporate uniforms, and workwear, where speed and local content matter. Our list of clothing manufacturers in South Africa names the main local factories. For imported ranges, retailers balance three options: regional producers for duty-free woven garments, China for scale and variety, and India for cotton knitwear quality.

How South African Brands Choose Where to Source

With duty this high, the factory price matters less than the value in each garment: fabric quality, fit, and how well it sells at full price. When comparing local, regional, and overseas options, model the full landed cost, including 45% duty and VAT, and order production samples before committing.

Our Perspective From Tirupur

For South African buyers, India competes on the same duty terms as China, so the case for India rests on product rather than price alone. Where we see it work best is cotton knitwear, kidswear, and printed or washed styles, where Tirupur’s cotton chain and finishing expertise give better value per garment once duty is paid. India and the Southern African Customs Union have discussed a preferential trade agreement for years; if one is concluded, the picture could change, so it is worth watching. Our guides to importing clothes from India and the best country to import clothes cover the wider choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does South Africa import clothes from?

Mainly from China, which supplied about 51% of apparel imports in the first half of 2024, followed by regional producers such as Eswatini, Lesotho, Mauritius, and Madagascar, and Asian suppliers such as Bangladesh and India.

What is the import duty on clothing in South Africa?

Most finished clothing from outside the region pays up to 45% duty plus 15% VAT. Garments from Southern African Customs Union members enter duty free, and Southern African Development Community members enjoy preferential access.

Does South Africa still make its own clothes?

Yes. Local factories in Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg focus on quick-response orders for retailers, school and corporate uniforms, and workwear.

How should South African brands choose where to source?

Compare local, regional, and Asian options on full landed cost, including duty and VAT, plus quality, lead time, and a real production sample.

Does India have a trade agreement with South Africa for clothing?

Not currently. India and the Southern African Customs Union have discussed a preferential trade agreement, but Indian clothing pays South Africa’s standard duty of up to 45% today.