Who are South Africa Trade Partners? H1 2025 Export Insights

Every year, South Africa moves billions of dollars’ worth of goods globally.

In 2024, China alone accounted for nearly US$620 billion in total trade, positioning its place as South Africa’s biggest trade partner. But here’s the twist: while South Africa sends raw minerals like platinum and manganese to fuel China’s factories, it imports higher-value cars, electronics, and machinery in return, leaving behind a trade imbalance that raises more questions than answers.

💡Why does South Africa continue to lean so heavily on commodity exports? Can it rebalance these relationships and capture more value at home?

Who are South Africa's biggest trading partners?

According to TradeInt’s global trade data, South Africa’s top five export partners in the first half of 2025 were Mexico, Canada, China, Germany, and Vietnam. These destinations collectively accounted for a major share of the country’s export revenue, reflecting the diversity of South Africa’s industrial, mineral, and energy trade base.

Who are the major trading partners of South Africa?

1. Mexico – US$787.53 billion (15.3%)

• Top Products: Freight motor vehicles (HS 8704), feldspar and related minerals, stainless steel flat rolled products
• Top Buyers: Ford Motor Company SA de CV, Epiroc Mexico SA de CV

1. Canada – US$620.59 billion (12%)

• Top Products: Fresh and dried citrus fruits (HS 0805), fresh/dried grapes, radioactive chemical elements and compounds
• Top Buyers: Beauvais LTEE, Broadview Produce Company Inc

1. China – US$609.66 billion (11.8%)

• Top Products: Iron ores and concentrates (HS 2601), chrome ore and concentrate, manganese ore and concentrate
• Top Buyers: Major Chinese metal and mining companies (data available via TradeInt buyer records)

1. Germany — US$246.29 billion (4.77%)

• Top Products: Motor vehicles (HS 8703), platinum (unforged or semi-manufactured), and mechanical parts
• Top Buyers: Carl Hartmann GmbH & Co KG, Transocean Shipping Transportagentur GmbH

1. Vietnam – US$235.76 billion (4.57%)

• Top Products: Coal and solid fuels (HS 2701), iron and manganese concentrates
• Top Buyers: Công Ty Cổ Phần Xuất Nhập Khẩu Than Vinacomin, Công Ty Cổ Phần Kinh Doanh Than Miền Bắc Vinacomin

#Top 1 South Africa Export Trade Partner: Mexico (US$787.53 billion)

According to TradeInt’s global customs data, Mexico has become one of South Africa’s fastest-growing trade partners in the Americas.

Trade is anchored by automotive, metal, and industrial goods, showing deeper integration between Africa’s southern hub and Latin America’s manufacturing corridor.

Major South Africa export products to Mexico by HS code:

1. Freight motor vehicles (HS 8704) – US $1.71 billion

Major driver of South Africa’s automotive trade with Mexico, supported by vehicle assembly and logistics demand.

2. Feldspar, nepheline, fluorite (HS 2529) – US $0.13 billion
Supplies Mexico’s ceramics, glassmaking, and metallurgy sectors.
3. Steel structures and parts (HS 7308) – US $0.11 billion
Strengthens Mexico’s infrastructure and industrial construction projects.

4. Mechanical appliances (HS 8479)
Used in machinery, packaging, and assembly lines across Mexican industries.
5. Stainless-steel flat-rolled products (HS 7219) – US $0.07 billion
Key component for manufacturing and building materials.
6. Centrifuges & filtration machines (HS 8421) – US $0.07 billion
Supports Mexico’s industrial and environmental processing sectors.

7. Vehicle parts and accessories (HS 8708) – US $0.07 billion
Reinforces automotive component supply chains between South Africa and Mexico.
8. Leather goods and materials (HS 4113) – US $0.05 billion
Feeds Mexico’s fashion, footwear, and upholstery manufacturing.

South Africa’s exports of automotive and metallurgical categories dominate, while growing diversification into chemicals and processed food underscores expanding South Africa–Latin America trade ties.

What is the relationship between Mexico and South Africa?

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1993, South Africa and Mexico have built a partnership grounded in shared democratic values and sustainable development goals. Both countries promote social inclusion, equality, and cooperation through platforms such as the United Nations and the G20, where they work together on climate action, economic reform, and anti-corruption efforts.

Bilateral cooperation is managed through the Binational Commission (BNC) and the Political Consultations Mechanism, which oversee collaboration in areas like tourism, agriculture, education, and technology. Politically, both nations emphasize dialogue and mutual development rather than competition.

Economically, Mexico is South Africa’s third-largest trading partner in Latin America, after Brazil and Argentina. According to the South African Revenue Service (SARS), total trade between the two countries reached R18.4 billion (~US$1 billion) in 2024, with South Africa maintaining a trade surplus of R4.7 billion (~US$271 million).

The trade mix shows complementary strengths: South Africa mainly exports minerals, vehicles, and manufactured goods, while Mexico supplies machinery, processed foods, and electronics. However, both compete for foreign investment in manufacturing, with Mexico benefiting from U.S. market access and South Africa serving as a key hub for Africa.

#Top 2 South Africa Export Trade Partner: Canada (US$620.59 billion)

What does Canada trade with South Africa?

Canada remains a diversified and stable destination for South African exports, spanning agriculture with fresh and dried grapes, citrus fruits, and wine forming the core of South Africa’s exports, beverages, and advanced manufacturing components.

TradeInt’s global customs trade data highlights how both nations benefit from complementary strengths. South Africa’s agricultural capacity and Canada’s demand for high-value produce and industrial goods.

Major South African Export Products to Canada (H1 2025):

1. Fresh or dried grapes (HS 0806) – US $ 1.08 billion

A leading agricultural product that underpins Canada’s fruit supply chain and supermarket distribution.

2. Fresh or dried citrus fruits (HS 0805) – US $ 0.73 billion
Expands Canada’s seasonal fruit imports while supporting healthy-food retail growth.

3. Wine from fresh grapes (HS 2204)
Drives premium-segment growth in Canada’s wine, hospitality, and tourism markets.
4. Radioactive chemical elements & isotopes (HS 2844)
Plays a key role in Canada’s medical-imaging, pharmaceutical, and nuclear-research industries.

5. Fresh apples, pears, and quinces (HS 0808)
Serves Canada’s consumer fruit market and packaged-food processors.

6. Printed circuits (HS 8534)
Essential to Canada’s electronics, telecommunications, and control-system manufacturing.
7. Discs, magnetic tapes & smart cards (HS 8523)
Supports Canada’s IT hardware and secure-data production sectors.

8. Ferroalloy (HS 7202) – US $ 0.07 billion

Supplies Canada’s steelmaking and heavy-industrial processes.

South Africa and Canada share a long-standing and cooperative relationship that combines trade, diplomacy, and shared democratic values.

Established in 1939, diplomatic relations between the two nations have deepened through collaboration on issues like climate action, education, and sustainable development. Canada’s strong anti-apartheid stance in the 1980s and its continued support for South Africa’s democratic transformation laid the foundation for this enduring partnership.

In economic terms, South Africa is Canada’s third-largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa, and both nations see each other as gateways to broader regional markets.

The Government of Canada reported that in 2024, total merchandise trade between the two countries reached US$2.91 billion, consisting of US$581.7 million in Canadian exports and US$2.3 billion in imports from South Africa. This reflects South Africa’s strong export performance, particularly in minerals, metals, and manufactured goods.

Mining remains a key pillar of cooperation as both countries are global leaders in the sector and signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Mining and Mineral Development in 2015. Canadian investments in South Africa focus on mining, food processing, transport, and green energy.

Notably, Canada provided US$120 million in financing for South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership, and invested US$45 million in the mRNA Technology Transfer Hub in Cape Town, showcasing a growing commitment to sustainability and innovation.

#Top 3 South Africa Export Trade Partner: China (US$609.66 billion)

How much trade does South Africa do with China?

China remains one of South Africa’s biggest trade partners and is dominant in any list of the top South Africa trade partners.

In the first seven months of 2025, the African Business News reported that South Africa imported about US$12.2 billion of Chinese goods, accounting for 10% of Africa’s total imports from China.

South Africa’s exports to China are primarily driven by iron ore, chrome, manganese, platinum, and ferroalloys, all vital for China’s steelmaking, energy, and advanced manufacturing sectors. These commodities not only fuel China’s infrastructure and industrial base but also support its growing demand in clean energy and electric vehicle production.

Top 5 South African Export Products to China (H1 2025):

1. Iron ore and its concentrates (HS 2601) – US $ 35.18 billion A core raw material underpinning China’s steel and infrastructure industries.
2. Chrome ore and concentrate (HS 2610) – US $ 25 billion A vital mineral for stainless-steel manufacturing and foundry production.
3. Manganese ore and concentrates (HS 2602) – US $ 21.56 billion Key to China’s electric-vehicle battery materials and alloy steel supply.
4. Platinum (HS 7110) – US $ 12.2 billion A strategic precious metal used in China’s automotive catalysts, hydrogen-energy systems, and high-tech components.
5. Ferroalloy (HS 7202) – US $ 7.69 billion Strengthens China’s heavy-industry chain, supplying iron, steel, and manufacturing hubs across key provinces.

In contrast, South Africa mainly exports raw minerals and metals to China, including iron ore, manganese, and platinum group metals. These categories are highly dependent on commodity prices, which makes earnings volatile. A large share of these resources comes from Chinese-owned mining investments in South Africa, such as projects in platinum, chromium, and iron ore.

Is South Africa the main importer of steel in China? China is the biggest steel exporter in the world, and its main exporters are the Middle East and EU countries.
🔍 Take a look at the top 10 steel exporting countries to find out how China is competing in steel exporting globally.

Nevertheless, the biggest challenge is the trade balance.

South Africa’s earnings depend heavily on volatile global commodity prices, while the cost of importing finished goods from China remains steady or increases. In addition, a significant portion of South Africa’s mining operations that supply exports to China are Chinese-owned, which means profits are often repatriated rather than reinvested locally. Export diversification into agriculture and value-added processing has been slow, leaving South Africa dependent on raw material sales.

Over the last decade, CNBC South Africa stated that 48 Chinese companies have invested over US$11.69 billion in South Africa, helping cement China as South Africa’s biggest trading partner and one of its largest investors. Separately, Deputy President Paul Mashatile noted that since the launch of FOCAC, South Africa’s cumulative cash outflow to China has reached US$114.83 billion.

Yet, to strengthen trade facilitation, the two nations have agreed on major policy and projects, highlights are FOCAC/BRICS, China’s zero-tariff pledge on 100% of tariff lines for African partners, and South Africa’s 2025–2029 Trade & Investment Package with China. To turn “large trade” into “balanced growth” among South Africa trade partners 2024, and beyond:

• Move up the value chain: Accelerate beneficiation (metals into components, battery materials, catalytic converters).
• Diversify exports: Use zero-tariff access to scale agri (fruit, nuts, wine) and agro-processing.
• Protect & upgrade local industry: Targeted import substitution and competitive support for SMEs most exposed to cheap manufactured imports.
• Access to market: Press for faster protocols and quotas so more SA goods could enter into China.

#Top 4 South Africa Export Trade Partner: Germany (US$246.29 billion)

According to TradeInt’s global customs data, Germany remains one of South Africa’s strongest and most technology-driven trade partners, linking Africa’s industrial hub with Europe’s advanced manufacturing base. Germany remains one of South Africa’s top trade partners ranking 4th after China, Mexico, and Canada. In the first half of 2025, exports were driven by a mix of automotive, mineral, and industrial products, highlighting South Africa’s strong manufacturing and resource base.

Passenger and freight vehicles account for the largest share of export value, while shipments of platinum and precious-metal ores strengthen Germany’s catalytic-converter and green-energy industries. Together, these flows highlight how manufacturing integration and resource exchange continue to shape one of South Africa’s most valuable export corridors.

What does South Africa trade with Germany?

The top 5 South African exports to Germany (H1 2025):

1. Motor vehicles for passenger transport (HS 8703) – US $38.9 billion Forms the backbone of South Africa’s manufacturing sector, anchored by major German automakers (BMW, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz) with production plants in the country.
2. Freight motor vehicles (HS 8704) – US $8.9 billion Supports both South African and German logistics and industrial networks through steady demand for commercial transport vehicles.
3. Platinum, semi-manufactured or powdered (HS 7110) – US $8.6 billion A vital raw material for Germany’s automotive catalytic converters and hydrogen-energy technologies, reinforcing South Africa’s global platinum leadership.
4. Precious-metal ores and concentrates (HS 2616) – US $7.2 billion Strengthens Germany’s refining and advanced-metal manufacturing supply chain, especially in green-energy sectors.
5. Centrifuges and filtration machines (HS 8421) – US $5.01 billion Reflects South Africa’s growing industrial exports in machinery serving Germany’s chemical, pharmaceutical, and environmental-engineering industries.

South Africa’s exports to Germany are dominated by automotive and mineral commodities, underpinned by bilateral cooperation in manufacturing and technology. These flows highlight how the two economies remain deeply integrated across industrial, energy, and green-transition supply chains.

In the Germany Federal Foreign Office’s press release, the trade value between the two countries exceeded €20 billion (US$23 billion), making South Africa become Germany’s most important partner in Africa in 2024.

South Africa exports metals, ores, coal, and agricultural products to Germany, while Germany exports motor vehicles and parts, machinery, and chemicals to South Africa. Notably, Germany has run a trade deficit with South Africa for several years, largely because South Africa’s resource exports are high in value.

At the same time, German companies dominate South Africa’s car market, with 40% of imported vehicles and parts coming from Germany despite local tariffs of 25%. Over 600 German firms operate in South Africa, employing around 100,000 people directly and many more indirectly, making Germany not only a trading partner but also a major investor and job creator.

Beyond trade, Germany supports South Africa in areas such as education, training, climate, and governance, having provided over €2.7 billion (US$2.93 billion) in funding since 1994.

With South Africa holding large mineral reserves, agricultural strength, and a push toward green energy, Germany sees long-term strategic value in deepening this partnership. Since 1996, the two nations have built a binational commission, development cooperation, and joint energy projects like the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JET-P).

As part of South Africa top 5 trading partners 2024–2025, Germany offers a balance of investment, technology transfer, and market access that complements South Africa’s growth ambitions.

#Top 5 South Africa Export Trade Partner: Vietnam (US$235.76 billion )

According to TradeInt’s customs-verified export data, South Africa’s trade profile with Vietnam is led by coal, iron ore, and agricultural commodities sectors that form the backbone of Vietnam’s steelmaking, energy, and food-processing industries.

The latest data shows strong growth in energy and mineral exports, complemented by rising shipments of corn, grapes, and fresh fruit, underscoring how the two economies are expanding cooperation across both industrial and agri-food supply chains.

Major South African Export Products to Vietnam (H1 2025):

1. Coal, briquettes & similar solid fuels (HS 2701) – US $ 1,846.12 million A primary energy source sustaining Vietnam’s industrial power and manufacturing sectors.
2. Iron ore and concentrates (HS 2601) – US $ 1,046.55 million Key raw material supporting Vietnam’s steel and construction industries.
3. Corn (HS 1005) – US $ 455.11 million Integral to Vietnam’s food-processing and animal-feed manufacturing.
4. Fresh apples, pears & quinces (HS 0808) – US $ 131.38 million Expands Vietnam’s fruit import variety and consumer retail supply.
5. Other nuts, fresh or dried (HS 0802) – US $ 111.21 million Serves Vietnam’s growing snack-food and confectionery sectors.
6. Manganese ore and concentrates (HS 2602) – US $ 105.37 million Used in metallurgical and chemical production processes.
7. Fresh or dried grapes (HS 0806) – US $ 92.03 million Supplies Vietnam’s wine and fruit-preserve industries.
8. Uncarded cotton (HS 5201) – US $ 76.37 million Vital for Vietnam’s textile and garment-manufacturing value chain.

What is the relationship between South Africa and Vietnam?

The trade relationship between South Africa and Vietnam has grown steadily between 2024 and 2025, marked by deepening political trust, complementary economic strengths, and stronger business engagement. South Africa remains Vietnam’s largest trading partner and top export market in Africa, while Vietnam ranks as South Africa’s ninth-largest partner in Asia, underscoring their increasingly strategic partnership.

Bilateral trade reached nearly US$1.8 billion in 2024, driven by Vietnam’s exports of farm produce, ceramics, furniture, and consumer goods, and its imports of fresh fruits, coal, minerals, and chemicals from South Africa. Both sides are now actively exploring opportunities for investment cooperation, with Vietnamese enterprises considering production ventures that leverage South Africa’s raw materials and favorable tax policies.

A highlight of the past year was the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), providing a foundation for deeper business-to-business collaboration. The proposed establishment of a Vietnam–South Africa Business Council with regular meetings, aims to facilitate dialogue, promote joint projects, and align investment goals.

Vietnam’s National Assembly Vice Chairman Tran Quang Thanh’s 2025 visit to South Africa reinforced this cooperation, emphasizing parliamentary and business partnership as key pillars for future growth. The two nations also continue to expand activities in renewable energy, mining, logistics, and manufacturing, while Vietnam’s exclusion from South Africa’s provisional safeguard measures on steel products reflects a healthy and transparent trade environment.

TradeInt is a global trade data platform providing access to over 10 billion verified import and export records. Its coverage spans over 200 countries and more than 80 customs data sources.

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Conclusion

South Africa’s trade future rests on balancing its reliance on raw mineral exports with a push for value-added industries, agriculture, and green energy. With China, Mexico, Germany, Vietnam, and Canada as its top trade partners, the country must navigate trade deficits, tariffs, and global shifts with agility.

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