South Africa possesses a large population, close ties with the West, and robust infrastructure. The growing middle class and high-income earners are positively impacting South Africa's imports, primarily in vegetables, meats, and grains (especially rice).
Over the past five years, South Africa's average food imports amounted to $6.6 billion. In 2022, the key import products were rice, palm oil, wheat, poultry, and whiskey. The top five food-supplying countries to South Africa were China, the United States, Argentina, Germany, and the United Kingdom. These primarily originated from Asia, the European Union, the UK, and the Americas.
In recent years, over 45% of South Africa's total imports came from Asian countries. European trade partners contributed 31.5% of South Africa's imported goods, while approximately 12% in value originated from other African nations. North American exporters accounted for 7.6% of South Africa's imports. Around 2.3% of food imports came from Latin America (excluding Mexico), and 1.3% from Oceania, led by Australia.
1. Grain Imports
In this category, South Africa's main imports include wheat, rice, and maize. The increasing demand for wheat is seldom met by local production, which usually covers only half of the demand.
The Russian Federation is South Africa's largest wheat supplier, holding a 29% share, followed by Germany, Romania, the Czech Republic, and Ukraine with shares of 17%, 10.2%, 10.1%, and 7.6%, respectively.
Maize is South Africa's major locally produced crop and export product, but the country also imports it. Turkey, India, and Italy are the major suppliers of maize starch.
Rice is also a top import product as it is not locally produced. In 2022, South Africa imported 1.1 million tons of rice, primarily from Thailand, followed by India, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Brazil.
South Africa is expected to import approximately 2.7 million tons of grains in 2023, mainly comprising rice and wheat. This figure is slightly higher than the five-year average. Specifically, due to a decrease in production in 2023, wheat imports are estimated to reach around 1.7 million tons, a slight increase from the previous year.
2. Meat Imports
In 2022, South Africa's meat production was estimated at 3.5 million tons, while meat imports amounted to approximately 475,000 tons. Concerning pork, South Africa imported 38.4% of pork products from Germany, followed by 24.9% from Spain and 10.9% from Brazil.
3. Vegetables and Sugar
The country's demand for fresh vegetables and nuts continues to grow, especially for tomatoes, onions, green peppers, and other green vegetables. Major suppliers include India, Nigeria, and Germany.
Although South Africa was once considered a promising source for the world's sugar supply, the product now relies on imports. The main sources for sugar imports are Thailand, Brazil, and France.
FAQs
In 2022, South Africa imported 1.1 million tons of rice, primarily from Thailand, followed by India, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Brazil. South Africa is expected to import approximately 2.7 million tons of grains in 2023, mainly comprising rice and wheat. This figure is slightly higher than the five-year average.
What is South Africa's top import for 2022? ›
As of 2022, mineral fuels, oils, and distillation products were the largest import category into South Africa, amounting to nearly 26 billion U.S. dollars. The items had a share of 23 percent of the total South African imports.
What are the main imports in South Africa? ›
Imports The top imports of South Africa are Refined Petroleum ($17.1B), Cars ($4.62B), Crude Petroleum ($4.34B), Motor vehicles; parts and accessories (8701 to 8705) ($3.76B), and Broadcasting Equipment ($3.12B), importing mostly from China ($23.5B), Germany ($9.67B), India ($8.32B), United States ($6.11B), and Saudi ...
Why should South Africa export than import more food? ›
Additionally, exporting food would reduce the country's reliance on imports, making it more self-reliant and less vulnerable to fluctuations in international food prices. Furthermore, South Africa has the potential to produce a wide variety of agricultural products due to its diverse climate and geography.
What are the five main food exports of South Africa? ›
Citrus, wine, table grapes, corn, apples, pears, and wool accounted for the largest exports by value. South Africa also exports wool, nuts, sugar, mohair, and pears to name just a few products.
What is South Africa's top food import? ›
Over the past five years, South Africa's average food imports amounted to $6.6 billion. In 2022, the key import products were rice, palm oil, wheat, poultry, and whiskey.
What are Africa's top 3 imports? ›
The Top Six Major Goods Imported to Africa
- Automobiles. ...
- Computers and Other IT Products. ...
- Clothing and Fashion Accessories. ...
- Pharmaceuticals. ...
- Machinery and Engineering Products. ...
- Chemicals.
| South Africa Imports By Category | Value | Year |
|---|
| Fish, crustaceans, molluscs, aquatics invertebrates | $275.70M | 2023 |
| Manmade filaments | $267.97M | 2023 |
| Cereal, flour, starch, milk preparations and products | $267.94M | 2023 |
| Miscellanneous manufactured articles | $249.08M | 2023 |
93 more rowsSouth Africa Service Trade data from WDI 2021
South Africa, Imports of goods and services as percentage of GDP is 25.02 %. South Africa, Exports of goods and services as percentage of GDP is 31.19 %.
What is good to import from South Africa? ›
Hottest Products to Import From South Africa in 2024
Fruits and Nuts ($3.42 billion approximately) Vehicles ($6.89 billion in 2023) Gems and Precious Metals ($19.59 billion in 2023) Clothing and Footwear.
Market Fact Sheet: South Africa
Imports of all agricultural products totaled $7.3 billion in 2023, compared to $7.7 billion in 2022. At the same time, imports of consumer-oriented products reached $3.2 billion in 2023, matching the 2022 value.
What food products are in high demand in South Africa? ›
Poultry, in particular, is a high-demand sector due to its affordability and versatility. There is also a growing demand for value-added products, such as processed meat, cheese, and yogurt. Fisheries and aquaculture are vital sectors in Africa, contributing to food security, employment, and export earnings.
What food is imported to Africa the most? ›
What food is imported to Africa the most? Rice is a staple food across Africa, with demand rising with growing populations. This has led to significant imports from rice growing countries like Thailand, India, and Vietnam.
What is the most imported goods in South Africa? ›
South Africa main imports are: machinery (21.3 percent of total imports), mineral products (16.9 percent), chemicals (12.6 percent) and vehicles and aircraft vessels (7.7 percent).
What does South Africa import from the USA? ›
| South Africa Imports from United States | Value | Year |
|---|
| Printed books, newspapers, pictures | $1.72B | 2023 |
| Machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers | $1.64B | 2023 |
| Mineral fuels, oils, distillation products | $1.01B | 2023 |
| Vehicles other than railway, tramway | $782.74M | 2023 |
93 more rowsAs of 2022, pearls, precious stones, metals, and coins were the largest export category from South Africa. The export value from those goods amounted to approximately 25 billion U.S. dollars. The items accounted for 21 percent of the total South African exports.
What is the top import in 2022? ›
The largest portion of India's imports originated from China, representing more than 15 percent of the total imports in the financial year 2022, with the United Arab Emirates following at over seven percent. Conversely, during the same period, India's primary exports were directed towards the United States.
What are the top 3 major imports? ›
What Are the Major U.S. Imports?
- Machinery (including computers and hardware) – $386.4 billion.
- Electrical machinery – $367.1 billion.
- Vehicles and automobiles – $306.7 billion.
- Minerals, fuels, and oil – $241.4 billion.
- Pharmaceuticals – $116.3 billion.
- Medical equipment and supplies – $93.4 billion.
As of 2022, pearls, precious stones, metals, and coins were the largest export category from South Africa. The export value from those goods amounted to approximately 25 billion U.S. dollars. The items accounted for 21 percent of the total South African exports.
What does the US import from South Africa? ›
In 2022, of $14.6 billion in U.S. imports from South Africa, the top commodity sectors were Stone, Glass, Metals, and Pearls (56.6% of the total U.S imports from the country), Base Metals, Iron, Steel, and Tools (11.3% of such total) and Transportation Equipment (10.4% of such total).
