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Exporting from the UK to South Africa: A market guide

Overview

South Africa, located at the bottom of the African continent and filled with natural resources, is a sophisticated and promising market. It has a well developed economic infrastructure and opportunities in its emerging markets.

Trade statistics

£4.5 billion total UK exports to South Africa for the four quarters to the end of Q1 2024

(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: July 2024)

29th largest UK export market

(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: July 2024)

0.5% of total UK exports for the four quarters to the end of Q1 2024

(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: July 2024)

Access to Africa

South Africa’s large and diverse economy plays an important role in the region. Its strong financial, legal and business services and extensive transport infrastructure make it an ideal gateway to other countries and markets in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Top five UK goods exported to South Africa , in the four quarters to the end of Q2 2024

Goods Value (£ million )
Cars 144.5
Mechanical power generators (intermediate) 141.9
Specialised machinery (capital) 129.0
Road vehicles other than cars (capital) 101.0
Medicinal & pharmaceutical products 91.9

Source: ONS Trade in goods: country-by-commodity exports
Last updated: September 2024
Download the latest trade and investment factsheet for South Africa.

Top five UK services exported to South Africa , in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2024

Service Value (£ million )
Other Business Services 681.0
Travel 433.0
Financial 362.0
Insurance and Pension 346.0
Telecommunications, computer and information services 318.0

Source: ONS UK trade in services: service type by partner country, non-seasonally adjusted
Last updated: July 2024
Download the latest trade and investment factsheet for South Africa.

South Africa: at a glance

Economic growth

1.9%

Actual figure (IMF, 2022)
The UK is 4.1% (IMF, 2022, actual figure)

GDP per capita

$6,684

Actual figure (IMF, 2022)
The UK is $45,461 (IMF, 2022, projected figure)

Currency

Rand

Business language

English

Time zone

GMT +2

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