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

£3.8 billion total UK exports to South Africa for the four quarters to the end of Q2 2022

(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: October 2022)

27th largest UK export market

(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: October 2022)

0.6% of total UK exports for the four quarters to the end of Q2 2022

(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: October 2022)

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 2022

Goods Value (£million)
Beverages 107.5
Miscellaneous electrical goods (intermediate) 102.9
Mechanical power generators (intermediate) 90.9
Cars 81.7
Specialised machinery (capital) 81.6

Source: ONS Trade in goods: country-by-commodity exports
Last updated: November 2022
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 Q2 2022

Service Value (£million)
Other Business Services 502.0
Financial 432.0
Telecommunications, computer and information services 361.0
Intellectual property 315.0
Insurance and Pension 195.0

Source: ONS UK trade in services: service type by partner country, non-seasonally adjusted
Last updated: October 2022
Download the latest trade and investment factsheet for South Africa.

South Africa: at a glance

Economic growth

4.9%

Actual figure (IMF, 2021)
The UK is 7.4% (IMF, 2021, projected figure)

GDP per capita

$6,965

Actual figure (IMF, 2021)
The UK is $47,329 (IMF, 2021, projected figure)

Currency

Rand

Business language

English

Time zone

GMT +2

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