South Africa Import Trade Data

16-Dec-2025

Expand Your Import Business in South Africa

Volza's Big Data technology scans over 2 billion Import shipment records in South Africa to identify top & new suppliers, economial sourcing, and profitable products.
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Key Indicators

Export Shipments
12,382,846
Suppliers
439,513
Export Trading Partners
94
Import Shipments
28,412,363
Buyers
133,893
Import Trading Partners
81

Overview

country overview

South Africa: Sub-Saharan Africa’s Trade Gateway and Economic Anchor

Located at the southern tip of Africa, South Africa connects Atlantic and Indian Ocean trade routes, offering critical maritime access for global shipping. In 2025, it ranked 15 globally in terms of GDP. As the most industrialized and diversified economy in Africa, South Africa plays a vital role in regional trade, natural resource exports, and continental supply chains.

Introduction:
South Africa's key import sectors include mineral fuels, machinery, electrical equipment, vehicles, and pharmaceuticals. These sectors are essential for powering industries, developing infrastructure, and supporting healthcare, making them crucial to South Africa's economic growth. Global exporters can tap into these sectors by supplying goods that meet the country's growing demand in energy, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Economic Overview:
South Africa, as the second-largest economy in Africa, has a diverse economic structure, with mining, manufacturing, and services as key pillars. Imports play a significant role, contributing to the growth of sectors like energy, automotive, and technology. The country is focusing on economic diversification, with an emphasis on renewable energy, industrial modernization, and technology adoption, which will likely increase demand for specific imports.

Political and Regulatory Environment:
South Africa has a stable political system with strong institutions, though it faces challenges like labor strikes and policy uncertainty. Its participation in international trade agreements, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), fosters easier trade with neighboring countries. Exporters must navigate local regulations and potential economic shifts.

Opportunities and Challenges for Exporters:
Opportunities exist in sectors like renewable energy, medical supplies, and industrial machinery. However, exporters may face challenges related to import duties, infrastructure constraints, and regulatory compliance.

Positives:

1. Resource-Rich Export Base: South Africa is a major global exporter of gold, platinum, coal, and diamonds, with mining continuing to be a cornerstone of its trade economy.
2. Diversified Industrial Economy: The country has strong manufacturing, automotive, and agri-processing sectors, allowing it to export finished goods and value-added products, not just raw materials.
3. Regional and Global Trade Integration: As a member of BRICS, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and SADC, South Africa enjoys preferential trade access to both emerging markets and regional partners.

Negatives:

1. Energy and Infrastructure Constraints: Chronic power shortages (load-shedding), port inefficiencies, and aging transport infrastructure hinder production and delay exports.
2. Socio-Political Instability: Periodic labor unrest, inequality, and governance issues undermine business confidence and long-term investment in trade-related sectors.
3. Export Concentration and External Dependency: The economy remains heavily dependent on commodity exports, especially to China and the EU, making it vulnerable to external demand shocks and price fluctuations.

South Africa import export data , including buyer and supplier names, is available on the Volza Platform.

Imports:

In February 2025, South Africa ranked 15th in global imports, with imports valued at 16.57 billion, representing a 100% growth from February 2024.

From February 2024 to February 2025, the country's imports amounted to 16.57 billion, showing a 100% growth from the preceding year.

In 2025, imports totaled 16.57 billion, marking a 100% YOY growth from 2024. Sources of these imports were China, India, Germany, United States, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Italy, United Arab Emirates, Japan. Imported products were mineral fuels, mineral oils and, machinery and mechanical appliances, other than railway or tramway. Suppliers were SUZUKI AUTO SOUTH AFRICA PTY LTD, TOYOTA SOUTH AFRICAA MOTOR PTY LTD, and HYUNDAI AUTOMOTIVE S A PTY LTD. Importers in South Africa were China: 22.5%, India: 8.5%, and Germany: 7.2%.

Top 10 Import Products

  1. Mineral Fuels (HS Code: 2709) – Essential for energy needs.
  2. Vehicles (HS Code: 8703) – Supports automotive and transportation sectors.
  3. Machinery (HS Code: 8479) – Critical for manufacturing and industrial processes.
  4. Electrical Machinery (HS Code: 8501) – Powers industries and consumer electronics.
  5. Pharmaceuticals (HS Code: 3004) – Vital for healthcare infrastructure.
  6. Optical Instruments (HS Code: 9001) – Used in healthcare and technology.
  7. Plastics (HS Code: 3902) – Used in manufacturing, packaging, and construction.
  8. Iron & Steel (HS Code: 7207) – Key materials for construction and infrastructure.
  9. Medical Instruments (HS Code: 9018) – Crucial for healthcare and diagnostics.
  10. Chemicals (HS Code: 2905) – Supports various industrial and agricultural sectors.

Top Buyers:

CLARIANT PLASTICS AND COATINGS INDONESIA, THE HIMALAYA DRUG COMPANY

Solution for Global Exporters:

Global exporters can use Volza’s online import data to gain real-time insights into South Africa’s import market. Volza’s platform enables exporters to identify new opportunities, understand market trends, and make data-driven decisions, simplifying entry into South Africa’s dynamic import market.

South Africa Import Database - Factsheet

Data Source Icon Data Source
Detailed Mirror Data
Question Mark Icon
Data Available From Icon
Data Available From
01-Jan-2019
Data Coverage Icon Data Coverage
40%
Question Mark Icon
Last Shipment Icon
Last Shipment
12-Dec-2025
Rating Icon Rating
4.7/5
Update Frequency Icon
Update Frequency
Monthly
Question Mark Icon
Source : Volza Import Trade Data
South Africa
Import Data
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28,412,363 Bill of Ladings, 133,893 Buyers & 439,513 Suppliers
Line Chart
Shipments
4.7/5
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Search South Africa Import Data

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Top 10 Importers

South Africa Top 10 Importers

Within our Volza database, we possess comprehensive information about over 10 active importers in South Africa. To assist you in identifying the leading importers in South Africa, Volza offers an advanced feature that analyzes billions of shipping invoices using more than 20 parameters. Noteworthy among the top 10 importers in South Africa are companies like SUZUKI AUTO SOUTH AFRICA PTY LTD , TOYOTA SOUTH AFRICAA MOTOR PTY LTD , and HYUNDAI AUTOMOTIVE S A PTY LTD . These key players are featured prominently within our extensive database. For a more comprehensive overview, please refer to our table, which outlines the top 10 importers, and explore the additional resources provided below.

South Africa Top 10 Importers
Line Chart
Data Source: Volza Import Trade Data

Trading Partners

Top Trading Partners of South Africa

Africa-CentralAfrica-East Africa-NorthCameroonEthiopiaKenyaUgandaZimbabweEgyptSouth AfricaAfrica-CentralAfrica-East Africa-NorthCameroonCentral AfricaEthiopiaKenyaUgandaZimbabweEgypt

Top 10 Import Trading Partners

South Africa Top 10 Import Trading Partners

South Africa trade data from 2025 highlights the nation's top 10 import partners as follows: INDIA (6,264,365) , CHINA (469,712) , and the GERMANY (345,134) Shipments.
The growth rates for the leading three importers were as follows: India at 56.95% , China at 4.27% , and Germany at 3.14%.
South Africa import statistics show that the country's top 10 import partners in 2025 collectively contributed 80.62% to the overall value of import shipments. Furthermore, South Africa's major imports from India include supplements, netting, clutch, bolts, car parts, rubberrings, rear assembly, t shirts, diamonds, brakes products. The provided chart below breaks down the values in percentile of South Africa’s top 10 import partners for 2025.

South Africa Top 10 Import Trading Partners
Line Chart
Data Source: Volza Import Trade Data
South Africa Top 10 Import Trading Partners
Rank Import Trading Partners Shipments
1 India 6,264,365
2 China 469,712
3 Germany 345,134
4 Namibia 297,192
5 Vietnam 291,213
6 United States 278,906
7 Botswana 245,800
8 Indonesia 238,414
9 Turkey 235,839
10 Netherlands 201,344
Data Source: Volza Import Trade Data

Import Data Sample Record

South Africa Import Data Sample Record

South Africa import data covers all important shipping details that are essential for businesses to find importers in South Africa, analyze market trends, and identify potential industries. South Africa trade data contains customs-based details including Date, Importer Name, HS Code, HS Code Description, Commercial Description, Gross Weight, Net Weight, Total Value USD and Origin Country. View South Africa import data sample with complete number of fields available in data.

South Africa Import Fields
Date:
10 Jul 2025
HS Code:
30049099
Quantity:
1
Quantity Unit:
NOS
Value FC:
0
Value:
0
HS Description:
MEDICAMENTS (EXCLUDING GOODS OF HEADING 3002, 3005 OR 3006) CONSISTING OF MIXED OR UNMIXED PRODUCTS FOR THERAPEUTIC OR PROPHYLACTIC USES, PUT UP IN MEASURED DOSES (IINCLUDING THOSE IN THE FORM OF TRANSDERMAL ADMINISTRATION SYSTEMS) OR IN FORMS OR PACKING
Data Source: Volza Import Trade Data
South Africa Import Fields
S.No Data Fields
1
Date
2
HSN Code
3
Quantity
4
Quantity Unit
5
Value FC
6
Value
7
HSN Description
8
Exporter
9
Importer
Total 72 Fields
Data Source: Volza Import Trade Data

Top 3 Import Ports

South Africa Top 3 Import Ports

South Africa's global import trade operates through over 3 ports. Durban stands as the predominant port, handling 4,008,141 import shipments, which constitutes a 68% market share. Johannesburg follows with a 23% share, accounting for 1,374,682 shipments. while Cape Town contributes a 9% market share with its 553,214 shipments. For detailed import trade statistics of each port in South Africa, refer to the provided links below. Collectively, these ports underscore the integrated nature of South Africa's trade infrastructure. As the trade data indicates, these crucial import ports facilitate the consistent delivery of essential goods across South Africa.

South Africa Top 3 Import Ports
Line Chart
Data Source: Volza Import Trade Data
South Africa Top 3 Import Ports
Rank Import Ports Shipments
1

Durban

4,008,141
2

Johannesburg

1,374,682
3

Cape Town

553,214
Data Source: Volza Import Trade Data

Import Bill of Lading

Import Shipments of South Africa
28,412,363
Date
10-07-2025
Reporting Country
India
HSN Code
30049099
Product Description
**TOTAL NO.OF TABLETS:8862000 TABLETS.PA
Shipper Code
16673234
Consignee
Resmed Healthcare
Consignee Country
South Africa
Std. Quantity
1
Weight Unit
RSC

Datasets

Africa-Central


Africa-East


Africa-North


Africa-South


Africa-West


America-Central


Asia-Central


Asia-East


Asia-South


Asia-Southeast


Asia-West


Australia/Oceania


Europe-East


Europe-North


Europe-South


Europe-West


Middle-East


North America


South America


The Caribbean

Customer Review & Rating (24,872)

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Pushpa Madam was Helpful and Patient enough to help us through the portal with are different queries.

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I think it would be even better if a detailed explanation of the tariff breakdown and the calculation formula could be provided.

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Frequently Asked Questions (6)

What information is included in South Africa Import Data?

South Africa Import Data includes details about imported products, such as their descriptions, HS codes (Harmonized System codes), origins, quantities, values, importers' details, shipment details, and customs duties paid.

How often is the South Africa Import Trade Data updated on Volza.com?

The frequency of updates for South Africa Import Trade Data on Volza.com may vary, but the platform strives to ensure regular updates. The goal is to provide users with the most current and accurate information available. It is recommended to check the platform regularly or contact the Volza.com support team for specific details on data update schedules.

How frequently is the South Africa Import trade data updated on Volza.com?

The South Africa import trade data on Volza.com is regularly updated to provide the most current information available. The website strives to ensure that users have access to the latest import trade data for South Africa.

What types of import trade data can I find on Volza.com?

Volza.com offers a wide range of import trade data for South Africa. You can find data related to various sectors and industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, energy, textiles, and more. The website aims to provide comprehensive information to cater to the diverse needs of users interested in South Africa's import trade.

Why is South Africa Import Data important?

South Africa Import Data plays a crucial role in understanding the country's trade dynamics, economic trends, and market demand. It aids businesses, policymakers, researchers, and investors in making informed decisions related to international trade and investment.

Can I access historical South Africa Import Data?

Yes, historical South Africa Import Data is valuable for tracking changes in import patterns over months or years, identifying seasonality, and understanding long-term trends.

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