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Southern Africa

Trade with South Africa

Southern Africa's Trade Gateway

Comprehensive trade intelligence, verified suppliers, and market insights for doing business with South Africa.

GDP

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

Population

64.7M
World Bank · 2025

Pretoria

Capital

ZAR

Currency

0+

Verified Suppliers

0+

Products Listed

South Africa Trade Intelligence

Comprehensive economic data, market insights, and trade information to help you make informed business decisions.

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)
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Trade Agreements & Market Access

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AfCFTA Member

African Continental Free Trade Area

Ratified

54

Countries

90%

Tariff Elimination

$3.4T

Market Size

Ratified: 2019 • Trading Status: Active

Learn more

Other Trade Agreements

SADCregional
active
Preferential tariffs
Southern Africa
SACUbilateral
active
Preferential access
Regional
EPA with EUbilateral
active
Duty-free quota-free access
European Union
AGOA bilateral
active
Duty-free access to US market
United States
Total Active Agreements5
Preferential Market Access0+ countries

Export Strengths & Competitive Advantages

Top Export Products

Gold
Diamonds
Platinum
Iron ore
Coal
Vehicles
Machinery
Fruits

Competitive Advantages

Advanced infrastructure networkSADC regional integrationRich mineral resourcesAfCFTA member stateCompetitive labor costs

Export Incentives & Benefits

✓
Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA)
✓
Industrial Development Zone benefits
✓
Automotive Investment Scheme
✓
Clothing and Textile Competitiveness Programme
✓
Section 12I Tax Allowance

Regulatory & Compliance Requirements

Full Guide

Required Export Documents

Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Certificate of Origin (SADC/EUR.1)
Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
Phytosanitary Certificate
Health Certificate
Export Permit (for controlled goods)
Customs Declaration (DA500)
Insurance Certificate

Export Procedure Steps

1Register with SARS as exporter
2Obtain export permit (for controlled goods)
3Apply for Certificate of Origin from SACCI or SARS
4Get SABS certification (if required)
5Submit customs declaration via SARS
6Arrange shipping and obtain transport documents

Logistics Performance IndexImproving

Overall LPI Score

2.70/ 5.00

Below Average

World Rank

#95

of 160

Score Breakdown

Customs Efficiency2.50
Infrastructure Quality2.40
Int'l Shipments2.80
Logistics Competence2.60
Tracking & Tracing2.50
Timeliness3.00

Data Source: World Bank Logistics Performance Index

Ports & Entry Points Performance

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Port of Durban

Sea Port
Moderate

Capacity

1.5M TEUs

Avg. Dwell Time

7 days

Annual TEUs

1.2M

Operating Hours

24/7

Port of Cape Town

Sea Port
Low Congestion

Capacity

500K TEUs

Avg. Dwell Time

9 days

Operating Hours

24/7

Port of Richards Bay

Sea Port
Low Congestion

Capacity

500K TEUs

Avg. Dwell Time

11 days

Operating Hours

24/7

OR Tambo Airport

Airport
Low Congestion

Capacity

500K TEUs

Avg. Dwell Time

13 days

Operating Hours

24/7

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Key Trade Institutions in South Africa

Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC)

Export Authority
www.thedtic.gov.za
+27 12 394 9500
contactus@thedtic.gov.za

South African Revenue Service (SARS) - Customs

Customs
www.sars.gov.za
+27 11 602 2093

South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)

Standards Body
www.sabs.co.za
+27 12 428 7911

Key Services:

Product certificationISO certificationTesting

South African Reserve Bank

Central Bank
www.resbank.co.za

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Products from South Africa

Quality products ready for export

No Products Listed Yet

Products from South Africa coming soon. Check back later or explore other countries.

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