|
Related Topics |
|
We take a look at the customs data as released by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for the year 2018. Just how much did we import and export during 2018? What did we import and export and with whom did we trade?
|
|
Value of SA imports and exports for 2018
The car chart belows shows south Africa's total imports, exports and trade balance per month of 2018. South Africa recorded a positive trade balance in 2018 (I.e value of exports surpassed that of value of imports) to the tune of R11.29 billion for the year. In total South Africa exported goods to the value of R1.246 trillion and imported goods to the value of R1.235 trillion during 2018.
So what exactly are we importing and exporting into and out of South Africa?
While it is nice to know the value of the goods we import and export, the next logical question is what exactly is it that we are importing and exporting? The following shows the Top 5 export products and Top 5 import products being exported out of and into South Africa.
Top 5 exports out of South Africa during 2018:
Coal and bituminous coal made up 6.4% of South Africa's total exports for 2018, with Gold and Platinum and other precious metals making up 5.75% of South Africa's total exports during 2018
Top 5 imports into South Africa during 2018:
So crude oil imports made up 11.7% of South Africa's total imports. And distillate fuel (basically petrol or crude that has already been refined) made up 3.14% of total imports by South Africa
Top 5 exports out of South Africa during 2018:
- Coal and Bituminous Coal: R 80 225 634 064
- Gold, Platinum, Diamonds, Jewellery and Precious Metals: R 71 678 379 247
- Ores - Manganese Ores And Concentrates: R 46 438 905 188
- Iron and Steel - Ferro-Alloys: R 40 484 195 073
- Vehicles and accessories :R 36 136 443 474
Coal and bituminous coal made up 6.4% of South Africa's total exports for 2018, with Gold and Platinum and other precious metals making up 5.75% of South Africa's total exports during 2018
Top 5 imports into South Africa during 2018:
- Crude Oil: R 144 954 759 047
- Vehicle Components - Original Equipment Components - For Motor Vehicles For The Transport Of Persons: R 49 770 179 712
- Distillate Fuel: R 38 924 762 711
- Vehicle Components - Original Equipment Components - For Motor Vehicles For The Transport Of Goods: R 30 409 011 462
- Pharmaceutical products: R 20 126 867 711
So crude oil imports made up 11.7% of South Africa's total imports. And distillate fuel (basically petrol or crude that has already been refined) made up 3.14% of total imports by South Africa
Petrol filling station at night
So where exactly are our exports going and imports coming from?
Now that we know how much South Africa imported and exported during 2018, and what the main products were that South Africa imported and exported out of South Africa during 2018, the next question is where exactly goods being imported into South Africa comes from and where goods being exported out of South Africa is going.
Top 5 countries we exported to during December 2018:
Top 5 countries we imported from during December 2018:
Top 5 countries we exported to during December 2018:
- China: 9.2%
- Germany: 7.6%
- United States: 7.2%
- India: 4.9%
- Japan: 4.6%
Top 5 countries we imported from during December 2018:
- China: 16.1%
- Germany: 8.1%
- United States: 6.3%
- Saudi Arabia: 4.8%
- Nigeria: 4.3%
So in December 2018, China was both our biggest export destination and the main origin our imports came from. The bulk of the manufactured goods and machinery and equipment imported comes from China. A large chunk of components for vehicles being manufactured in South Africa is imported from Germany. Basically parts for VW, BMW and Mercs being manufactured in South Africa being imported into SA. And then Saudi Arabia and Nigeria being two of South Africa's biggest crude oil suppliers also making the top 5 import destinations of South Africa.
On the export side, Manganese ores being one of South Africa's main exports and China being one of the big markets for this particular export. India also makes the Top 5 exports destinations of South Africa, with the bulk of South Africa's coal exports heading to India.
On the export side, Manganese ores being one of South Africa's main exports and China being one of the big markets for this particular export. India also makes the Top 5 exports destinations of South Africa, with the bulk of South Africa's coal exports heading to India.