Data Insights

In March 2026, South Africa's total trade value reached 334.64B ZAR, with imports at 155.9B ZAR (24.84B ZAR increase, 18.95% change) and exports at 178.74B ZAR (18.24B ZAR increase, 11.36% change). This indicates a robust growth in trade activity, reflecting the country's efforts to enhance its global economic presence amidst ongoing challenges such as COVID-19 and Brexit. The significant increases in trade values across various dimensions suggest a recovery and expansion in international commerce for South Africa.

In March 2026, South Africa's trade values showed significant month-on-month changes across various dimensions. For imports, the top three countries with the highest trade values were India (11.89B ZAR, 3.85B ZAR increase, 47.97% change), Germany (11.64B ZAR, 3.61B ZAR increase, 45.04% change), and France (3.71B ZAR, 1.8B ZAR increase, 93.83% change). Conversely, the lowest values were from Nigeria (2.48B ZAR, -2.29B ZAR decrease, -47.99% change), Angola (6.5M ZAR, -1.08B ZAR decrease, -99.91% change), and Kuwait (750.67M ZAR, -1.07B ZAR decrease, -58.70% change). For exports, the highest trade values were with China (20.78B ZAR, 2.61B ZAR increase, 14.37% change), Japan (10.54B ZAR, 2.43B ZAR increase, 29.93% change), and Belgium (6.18B ZAR, 2.13B ZAR increase, 52.73% change). The lowest values were from Special Categories (11.57B ZAR, -2.57B ZAR decrease, -18.19% change), Panama (87.5M ZAR, -1.66B ZAR decrease, -94.91% change), and the United Arab Emirates (2.41B ZAR, -1.24B ZAR decrease, -34.02% change). In terms of geographical regions, the top regions for imports were Durban (77.28B ZAR, 11.84B ZAR increase, 18.10% change), Cape Town (14.58B ZAR, 3.53B ZAR increase, 32.01% change), and Port Elizabeth (12.12B ZAR, 2.78B ZAR increase, 29.81% change). The lowest were Richards Bay (2.55B ZAR, -376.1M ZAR decrease, -12.84% change), Mosselbay (0 ZAR, -311.45M ZAR decrease, -100% change), and Komatipoort (541.9M ZAR, -63.27M ZAR decrease, -10.46% change). For exports, the top regions were Saldanha Bay (11.65B ZAR, 3.42B ZAR increase, 41.60% change), Port Elizabeth (12.14B ZAR, 3.31B ZAR increase, 37.41% change), and Richards Bay (17.37B ZAR, 3.21B ZAR increase, 22.69% change). The lowest were Sa Reserwebank (11.38B ZAR, -2.66B ZAR decrease, -18.98% change), Pretoria (7.39B ZAR, -397.5M ZAR decrease, -5.10% change), and Pongola (137.85M ZAR, -151.62M ZAR decrease, -52.43% change). In terms of product categories, the highest imports were in Refined Petroleum (20.64B ZAR, 6.11B ZAR increase, 42.03% change), Commodities not elsewhere specified (13.63B ZAR, 3.92B ZAR increase, 40.32% change), and Cars (8.31B ZAR, 3.26B ZAR increase, 64.63% change). The lowest were Crude Petroleum (3.41B ZAR, -3.35B ZAR decrease, -49.57% change), Planes, Helicopters, and/or Spacecraft (403.23M ZAR, -1.32B ZAR decrease, -76.61% change), and Sulphur (1.92M ZAR, -481.07M ZAR decrease, -99.84% change). For exports, the highest were Cars (14.23B ZAR, 3.82B ZAR increase, 36.65% change), Platinum (26.12B ZAR, 3.02B ZAR increase, 13.07% change), and Electricity (4.67B ZAR, 2.96B ZAR increase, 173.27% change). The lowest were Gold (11.38B ZAR, -2.66B ZAR decrease, -18.98% change), Grapes (2.47B ZAR, -2.57B ZAR decrease, -50.98% change), and Hot-Rolled Iron (147.53M ZAR, -1.21B ZAR decrease, -89.14% change).

In March 2026, South Africa's year-on-year trade values exhibited notable changes across various dimensions. For imports, the top three countries with the highest trade values were China (34.36B ZAR, 6.65B ZAR increase, 23.99% change), Oman (5.77B ZAR, 2.01B ZAR increase, 53.29% change), and Germany (11.64B ZAR, 1.91B ZAR increase, 19.60% change). The lowest values were from Kuwait (750.67M ZAR, -2.52B ZAR decrease, -77.05% change), the United States (8.34B ZAR, -2.29B ZAR decrease, -21.52% change), and Bahrain (1.37B ZAR, -1.7B ZAR decrease, -55.33% change). For exports, the highest trade values were with the United States (13.74B ZAR, 4.13B ZAR increase, 43.03% change), China (20.78B ZAR, 3.32B ZAR increase, 19.01% change), and Hong Kong (4.79B ZAR, 3.04B ZAR increase, 173.64% change). The lowest values were from Special Categories (11.57B ZAR, -2.97B ZAR decrease, -20.41% change), Mozambique (6.51B ZAR, -2.74B ZAR decrease, -29.61% change), and the United Arab Emirates (2.41B ZAR, -1.86B ZAR decrease, -43.51% change). In terms of geographical regions, the top regions for imports were Durban (77.28B ZAR, 6.05B ZAR increase, 8.49% change), Pretoria (4.84B ZAR, 1.28B ZAR increase, 36.03% change), and Port Elizabeth (12.12B ZAR, 1.24B ZAR increase, 11.39% change). The lowest were Mosselbay (0 ZAR, -1.16B ZAR decrease, -100% change), Cape Town (14.58B ZAR, -1.07B ZAR decrease, -6.86% change), and Richards Bay (2.55B ZAR, -830.55M ZAR decrease, -24.55% change). For exports, the top regions were O.R. Tambo Int Airport (34.73B ZAR, 14.62B ZAR increase, 72.68% change), Johannesburg (8B ZAR, 3.97B ZAR increase, 98.42% change), and Groblers Bridge (2.51B ZAR, 1.78B ZAR increase, 243.35% change). The lowest were Sa Reserwebank (11.38B ZAR, -2.98B ZAR decrease, -20.74% change), Cape Town (12.04B ZAR, -1.53B ZAR decrease, -11.24% change), and Pretoria (7.39B ZAR, -1.02B ZAR decrease, -12.17% change). In terms of product categories, the highest imports were in Commodities not elsewhere specified (13.63B ZAR, 2.05B ZAR increase, 17.69% change), Cars (8.31B ZAR, 1.39B ZAR increase, 20.04% change), and Gold (2.61B ZAR, 1.14B ZAR increase, 77.54% change). The lowest were Crude Petroleum (3.41B ZAR, -5.5B ZAR decrease, -61.71% change), Aluminium Oxide (625.72M ZAR, -1.35B ZAR decrease, -68.37% change), and Corn (2.51M ZAR, -468M ZAR decrease, -99.99% change). For exports, the highest were Platinum (26.12B ZAR, 14.71B ZAR increase, 128.94% change), Chromium Ore (9.29B ZAR, 3.41B ZAR increase, 57.89% change), and Electricity (4.67B ZAR, 3.26B ZAR increase, 229.61% change). The lowest were Delivery Trucks (5.69B ZAR, -3.08B ZAR decrease, -35.14% change), Gold (11.38B ZAR, -2.98B ZAR decrease, -20.74% change), and Grapes (2.47B ZAR, -1.33B ZAR decrease, -34.95% change).

Overall, South Africa's total trade value for the month increased to 291.56 billion ZAR, with exports totaling 160.5 billion ZAR (up by 11.6 billion ZAR or 7.79%) and imports at 131.06 billion ZAR (down by 15.34 billion ZAR or -10.48%). Year-on-year, total trade value reached 291.56 billion ZAR, with exports at 160.5 billion ZAR (up by 3.2 billion ZAR or 2.04%) and imports at 131.06 billion ZAR (down by 11.97 billion ZAR or -8.37%).

In the month-on-month analysis, South Africa's imports from Saudi Arabia saw the highest increase with a trade value of 3.71 billion ZAR, reflecting a significant rise of 2.26 billion ZAR (approximately 156.73%). Other notable increases were from Nigeria (4.78 billion ZAR, up by 794.54 million ZAR or 19.95%) and Kuwait (1.82 billion ZAR, up by 791.53 million ZAR or 77.14%). Conversely, the largest declines in imports were from India (8.04 billion ZAR, down by 3.2 billion ZAR or -28.51%), Italy (2.32 billion ZAR, down by 1.95 billion ZAR or -45.73%), and Germany (8.02 billion ZAR, down by 1.64 billion ZAR or -16.98%). For exports, Germany led with 15.45 billion ZAR, increasing by 3.22 billion ZAR (26.34%), followed by the United States (12.39 billion ZAR, up by 2.1 billion ZAR or 20.44%) and Mozambique (5.35 billion ZAR, up by 1.72 billion ZAR or 47.56%). The largest decreases in exports were to the Netherlands (5.92 billion ZAR, down by 3.08 billion ZAR or -34.24%), China (18.17 billion ZAR, down by 2.9 billion ZAR or -13.78%), and South Korea (1.18 billion ZAR, down by 2.81 billion ZAR or -70.47%).

In the year-on-year analysis, imports from China were the highest at 33.28 billion ZAR, with an increase of 1.8 billion ZAR (5.72%). Nigeria followed with 4.78 billion ZAR, up by 1.15 billion ZAR (31.58%), and Oman with 4.34 billion ZAR, increasing by 701.27 million ZAR (19.21%). The largest declines were from India (8.04 billion ZAR, down by 4.92 billion ZAR or -37.99%), Germany (8.02 billion ZAR, down by 3.01 billion ZAR or -27.27%), and Bahrain (1.7 billion ZAR, down by 1.04 billion ZAR or -37.88%). For exports, Germany again topped the list with 15.45 billion ZAR, increasing by 4.99 billion ZAR (48.63%), followed by Hong Kong (3.85 billion ZAR, up by 2.59 billion ZAR or 202.51%) and the United Kingdom (9.17 billion ZAR, up by 2.42 billion ZAR or 35.95%). The largest decreases in exports were to Mozambique (5.35 billion ZAR, down by 2.37 billion ZAR or -30.68%), Belgium (4.05 billion ZAR, down by 2.33 billion ZAR or -36.58%), and Special Categories (14.14 billion ZAR, down by 2.06 billion ZAR or -12.73%).

Overall, South Africa's total trade value for imports reached 146.41B ZAR, reflecting a month-on-month increase of 5.53B ZAR (3.93%), while exports totaled 148.9B ZAR, showing a decrease of 6.79B ZAR (-4.36%). Year-on-year, imports decreased by 18.87B ZAR (-11.42%), while exports increased by 6.39B ZAR (4.49%). This indicates a mixed performance in trade flows, with imports experiencing a recovery in the short term but a decline over the year, while exports showed growth year-on-year despite a monthly decline.

In the month-on-month analysis, imports from Nigeria saw the highest increase with a trade value of 3.98B ZAR, reflecting a significant rise of 2.42B ZAR (1.55%). The United States followed with an increase of 1.53B ZAR (0.21%), while Ghana experienced a notable rise of 1.08B ZAR (41.11%). On the lower end, imports from China decreased by 2.14B ZAR (-5.86%), with the United Arab Emirates and Oman also seeing declines of 1.89B ZAR (-33.39%) and 1.71B ZAR (-27.57%) respectively. For exports, the Special Categories led with a substantial increase of 4.46B ZAR (48.36%), followed by the Netherlands with 2.7B ZAR (42.87%) and South Korea with 1.65B ZAR (70.45%). Conversely, the United Kingdom saw a decrease of 2.4B ZAR (-20.91%), Japan decreased by 2.07B ZAR (-21.76%), and Mozambique by 1.22B ZAR (-25.19%).

In the year-on-year analysis, imports from Nigeria again topped the list with a trade value of 3.98B ZAR, marking an increase of 2.51B ZAR (1.70%). The United Arab Emirates followed with a rise of 871.92M ZAR (30.08%), and Canada with 560.93M ZAR (1.11%). On the downside, imports from China decreased by 3.53B ZAR (-9.33%), Saudi Arabia by 3.49B ZAR (-70.76%), and the United States by 3.02B ZAR (-25.34%). For exports, China led with a trade value of 21.07B ZAR, increasing by 3.63B ZAR (20.83%). Germany followed with an increase of 3.59B ZAR (41.48%), and Special Categories with 3.01B ZAR (28.17%). On the lower end, Mozambique saw a decrease of 4.46B ZAR (-55.56%), India by 1.99B ZAR (-25.96%), and Zambia by 1.26B ZAR (-28.43%).

Overall, the total trade value for South Africa in the month of 202512 showed a decline in both imports and exports. Imports totaled 140.87B ZAR, down by 9.29B ZAR (-6.19%), while exports amounted to 155.69B ZAR, decreasing by 23.19B ZAR (-12.96%). This indicates a significant contraction in trade activity, particularly in exports, which may reflect broader economic challenges or shifts in global demand.

In the month-on-month analysis, imports from Oman saw the highest increase with a trade value of 6.21B ZAR, reflecting a significant rise of 2.94B ZAR (90.11%). The United Arab Emirates followed with a trade value of 5.66B ZAR, increasing by 1.82B ZAR (47.37%). Bahrain also showed a notable increase with 2.29B ZAR, up by 859.78M ZAR (60.00%). On the other hand, the largest declines were observed in imports from the United States, which dropped to 7.36B ZAR, down by 3.35B ZAR (-31.28%). China’s imports decreased to 36.49B ZAR, down by 2.06B ZAR (-5.35%). Brazil also saw a decline, with imports falling to 2.32B ZAR, down by 1.92B ZAR (-45.32%).

In the year-on-year analysis, imports from the United Arab Emirates increased significantly to 5.66B ZAR, up by 3.44B ZAR (154.78%). China also saw a rise in imports to 36.49B ZAR, increasing by 2.91B ZAR (8.66%). Oman’s imports rose to 6.21B ZAR, up by 1.29B ZAR (26.12%). Conversely, the largest declines were in imports from Nigeria, which fell to 1.56B ZAR, down by 4.65B ZAR (-74.84%). Saudi Arabia's imports decreased to 2.68B ZAR, down by 3.67B ZAR (-57.81%). Angola also experienced a drop, with imports at 254.19M ZAR, down by 2.51B ZAR (-90.79%).

Overall, South Africa's total trade value for exports decreased by 3.77B to 178.87B (-2.06%), while imports fell by 26.3B to 150.17B (-14.90%). The month-on-month analysis showed significant fluctuations, particularly in imports, with Brazil and Singapore showing strong growth, while Oman and China faced substantial declines. Year-on-year, imports from China and Brazil demonstrated notable increases, while India and Thailand saw declines. Exports to Special Categories and Hong Kong showed strong growth, contrasting with declines in exports to Mozambique and South Korea.

In the month-on-month analysis, imports from Brazil saw the highest increase with a trade value of 4.25B, reflecting a significant rise of 1.6B (60.38%). Singapore followed with a trade value of 1.44B, increasing by 819.12M (132.29%). Angola also showed a positive change with 1.59B, up by 323.48M (25.58%). On the downside, Oman experienced the largest drop in imports, falling by 3.7B to 3.27B (-53.1%). China’s imports decreased by 3.46B to 38.55B (-8.24%), and Germany saw a decline of 2.51B to 8.02B (-23.82%). For exports, Belgium led with an increase of 1.49B to 8.37B (21.61%), followed by the United Kingdom with 1.44B at 8.79B (19.55%). Spain also increased by 970.69M to 3.03B (47.12%). Conversely, exports to Special Categories dropped by 1.3B to 19.27B (-6.31%), the Netherlands fell by 1.12B to 3.66B (-23.38%), and China decreased by 1.01B to 19.11B (-5.01%).

In the year-on-year analysis, imports from China showed the most significant growth, reaching 38.55B with an increase of 4.21B (12.27%). Brazil followed with a trade value of 4.25B, up by 1.33B (45.58%). Singapore also increased to 1.44B, gaining 1.13B (368.27%). On the contrary, imports from India fell by 2.43B to 10.6B (-18.62%), Thailand decreased by 1.44B to 4.28B (-25.12%), and Oman saw a drop of 940.9M to 3.27B (-22.43%). For exports, Special Categories led with a trade value of 19.27B, increasing by 4.53B (30.72%). Hong Kong followed with 3.93B, up by 2.22B (128.81%), and Belgium increased to 8.37B, gaining 1.46B (21.06%). However, exports to Mozambique fell by 2.78B to 5.84B (-32.24%), South Korea decreased by 1.68B to 2.97B (-36.02%), and Botswana saw a drop of 832.94M to 5.12B (-14.00%).

The analysis indicates a positive trend in South Africa's trade values both month-on-month and year-on-year. Total imports increased by 11.97B (7.28%) in the last month and by 11.59B (7.03%) over the year, while total exports rose by 5.76B (3.18%) and 13.18B (7.75%) respectively. The highest increases in imports were from China, Oman, and Algeria, while the largest decreases were from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Ireland. For exports, Special Categories, the United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe saw the most significant increases, whereas the Netherlands, China, and the United States experienced the largest declines.

In the month-on-month analysis, imports from China saw the highest increase with a trade value of 42.01B, reflecting a significant rise of 4.41B (11.74%). The United Arab Emirates followed with a notable increase of 2.39B (914.78%), while India contributed 2.29B (21.52%). On the lower end, imports from Saudi Arabia decreased by 1.1B (-19.49%), Qatar saw a drop of 935.03M (-84.70%), and Ireland's imports fell by 742.84M (-33.31%). For exports, Special Categories led with a remarkable increase of 7.9B (62.37%), followed by the United Kingdom with 1.31B (21.63%), and Zimbabwe with 1.08B (19.45%). Conversely, exports to the Netherlands decreased by 1.86B (-28.00%), China by 1.35B (-6.62%), and the United States by 1.23B (-8.07%). Overall, total imports increased by 11.97B (7.28%) while exports rose by 5.76B (3.18%).

In the year-on-year analysis, imports from China again topped the list with a trade value of 42.01B, showing a growth of 3.91B (10.26%). Oman followed with a significant increase of 3.32B (910.87%), and Algeria saw a rise of 1.43B (420.25%). On the downside, imports from Canada decreased by 1.42B (-70.37%), Malaysia by 676.06M (-31.59%), and Mozambique by 626.89M (-34.84%). For exports, China led with a growth of 5.13B (34.22%), Germany with 4.9B (43.82%), and Belgium with 1.95B (39.39%). However, exports to Mozambique fell by 3.83B (-38.44%), the Netherlands by 2.17B (-31.21%), and South Korea by 809.16M (-27.75%). Overall, total imports increased by 11.59B (7.03%) while exports rose by 13.18B (7.75%).