Export AcademyGloseg trade institute
ZA flag
Southern Africa • Export Intelligence

South Africa

Pretoria • ZAR

GDP

$489.1BProjection
IMF WEO October 2026 · 2026 projectionLatest reported actual: $427.2B (World Bank · 2025)

Population

64.7M
World Bank · 2025

Currency

ZAR

South African Rand

Key Ports

4

Entry Points

No ECTN Required

Standard shipping documentation applies.

Trade Snapshot

Trade Balance
$8.2BSurplus

Exports minus imports of goods and services · World Bank · 2025

Member of:

SADCSACUAfCFTA

Regional Trade Memberships

Economic Overview

Official sources: IMF World Economic Outlook and World Bank. Source and year shown per figure.

GDP
$489.1BProjection
IMF WEO October 2026 · 2026 projectionLatest reported actual: $427.2B (World Bank · 2025)
Real GDP growth
1.0%Projection
IMF WEO October 2026 · 2026 projectionLatest reported actual: 1.1% (World Bank · 2025)
GDP per person
$7,659Projection
IMF WEO October 2026 · 2026 projectionLatest reported actual: $6,598 (World Bank · 2025)
Inflation
4.4%Projection
IMF WEO October 2026 · 2026 projectionLatest reported actual: 3.2% (World Bank · 2025)

Market Suitability Score

72out of 100
Grade B: Good

Score Breakdown

Trade Agreements
85/100
Infrastructure
65/100
Regulatory Ease
70/100
Market Demand
75/100
Payment Reliability
68/100

Export Recommendations

Strong AfCFTA membership benefits
Growing demand for agricultural products
Consider using established banking channels
Allow extra time for customs processing

Export Readiness Checklist

For exports to South Africa

20%

Complete

HS Code ClassificationRequired

Have you classified your product with the correct HS code?

Certificate of OriginRequired

Do you have the Certificate of Origin prepared?

No ECTN Required

This country does not require ECTN for shipments

Customs RegistrationRequired

Are you registered with your local customs authority?

Shipping ArrangementsRequired

Have you arranged freight forwarding and logistics?

9 documents required for South Africa
Generate Full Checklist
Loading ZAR currency chart

Currency Converterstable

Current Rate
$
1,000.00ZAR
Quick amounts (USD)

Rates are indicative and may differ from actual transaction rates. Always verify with your bank or forex provider.

Country Comparison Tool

ZA flagSouth Africa
vs
Metric
ZA flagSouth Africa
Select Country
GDP
-
Population
-
Real GDP growth
-
Inflation
-
Currency
ZAR-
ECTN Required
Not Required-
Key Ports
4-
Trade Agreements
5-
Major Exports
9-
Regional Blocs
3-

Select a country above to compare key metrics side by side

Explore Similar Markets

Other Southern Africa countries you might be interested in

View All Countries