Trade in SA

Imports, exports and trading partners

SA's Trade With the World

South Africa trades with many countries. We export (sell abroad) minerals, fruit, vehicles and wine. We import (buy from abroad) oil, electronics, machinery and chemicals. Trade creates jobs, brings in foreign money and gives us access to goods we cannot produce ourselves.

Example

SA Trade Facts

Top exports: gold, platinum, iron ore, coal, citrus fruit, vehicles, wine Top imports: crude oil, electronics, machinery, pharmaceuticals Main trading partners: • China: our biggest trading partner • Germany, USA, Japan, India • African countries (SADC region) Port of Durban handles more than 60% of SA's cargo

Note

Remember

Trade is a two-way street — we need customers for our exports AND suppliers for our imports. SA benefits from trade agreements (like with SADC and BRICS). A trade surplus (exports > imports) is positive for the economy. SA must add value to exports (sell manufactured goods, not just raw materials).

Key Vocabulary

ExportSelling goods or services to another country

ImportBuying goods or services from another country

Trading partnerA country that regularly trades with another

Trade surplusWhen a country exports more than it imports

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