Exporting guide to

South Africa

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

£4.1 billion total UK exports to South Africa for the four quarters to the end of Q1 2023

(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: July 2023)

32nd largest UK export market

(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: July 2023)

0.5% of total UK exports for the four quarters to the end of Q1 2023

(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: July 2023)

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 Q1 2023

Goods Value (£million)
Cars 134.2
Beverages 121.3
Refined oil 112.5
Specialised machinery (capital) 108.0
Mechanical power generators (intermediate) 102.4

Source: ONS Trade in goods: country-by-commodity exports
Last updated: July 2023
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 2023

Service Value (£million)
Other Business Services 541.0
Financial 476.0
Insurance and Pension 293.0
Telecommunications, computer and information services 291.0
Intellectual property [Note 5] 232.0

Source: ONS UK trade in services: service type by partner country, non-seasonally adjusted
Last updated: July 2023
Download the latest trade and investment factsheet for South Africa.

South Africa: at a glance

Economic growth

2.0%

Actual figure (IMF, 2022)
The UK is 4.0% (IMF, 2022, actual figure)

GDP per capita

$6,694

Actual figure (IMF, 2022)
The UK is $45,295 (IMF, 2022, projected figure)

Currency

Rand

Business language

English

Time zone

GMT +2

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