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South Africa's textile imports edge up 0.5% in Jan–Aug 2025

Official merchandise trade statistics show that during the same period in ****, the country imported textiles and textile articles worth **,***.* million rand. South Africa continues to be a net importer in this product segment, reflecting its reliance on low-cost Asian textile suppliers and limited domestic manufacturing capacity.

Exports of textiles and related products rose by *.* per cent, reaching **,***.* million rand (~$***.** million) in the first eight months of ****, compared to **,***.* million rand in the corresponding period of ****. The rise was mainly supported by demand from neighbouring African markets, particularly in cotton fabrics and apparel categories.