South Africa Trade Intelligence
Comprehensive economic data, market insights, and trade information to help you make informed business decisions.
Economic OverviewStable Outlook
GDP
$45.2B
GDP Growth
+3.2%
GDP/Capita
$2,450
Inflation Rate8.5%
Unemployment Rate12.4%
Debt to GDP45%
FDI Inflows (Annual)
$2.8B
Credit Rating
B+Trade Agreements & Market Access
View AllAfCFTA Member
African Continental Free Trade Area
54
Countries
90%
Tariff Elimination
$3.4T
Market Size
Ratified: 2019 • Trading Status: Active
Learn moreOther Trade Agreements
SADCregional
activePreferential tariffs
Southern Africa
SACUbilateral
activePreferential access
Regional
EPA with EUbilateral
activeDuty-free quota-free access
European Union
AGOA bilateral
activeDuty-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 AllowanceRegulatory & Compliance Requirements
Full GuideRequired 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
View AllPort of Durban
Sea PortCapacity
1.5M TEUs
Avg. Dwell Time
7 days
Annual TEUs
1.2M
Operating Hours
24/7
Port of Cape Town
Sea PortCapacity
500K TEUs
Avg. Dwell Time
9 days
Operating Hours
24/7
Port of Richards Bay
Sea PortCapacity
500K TEUs
Avg. Dwell Time
11 days
Operating Hours
24/7
OR Tambo Airport
AirportCapacity
500K TEUs
Avg. Dwell Time
13 days
Operating Hours
24/7
Key Trade Institutions in South Africa
Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC)
Export AuthoritySouth African Revenue Service (SARS) - Customs
Customswww.sars.gov.za
+27 11 602 2093
South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)
Standards Bodywww.sabs.co.za
+27 12 428 7911
Key Services:
Product certificationISO certificationTesting
South African Reserve Bank
Central BankNeed help navigating South Africa's trade requirements?
