Find Import and Export expertise in South Africa

South Africa’s net imports are 1% of GDP (2005). It has a very strong export market, the primary export commodities being gold, diamonds, platinum, other metals and minerals, machinery and equipment. Primary import commodities include machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum products, scientific instruments and foodstuffs. The average ad valorem tariff for imported goods is fairly low at 7.8% (2007). Computer software, which also makes up a large portion of the imports, is mostly imported from the United States. Pharmaceutical imports are also significant. The National Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (NAPM) is the trade association that promotes quality South African pharmaceutical products. Private sector industry technology, such as CCTV and digital surveillance equipment as well as smart card technology, are growing import commodities.