South Africa Imports
Imports of goods and services, current US dollars.
Imports in South Africa increased to 126.02 USD billion in 2025 from 119.76 USD billion in 2024.
South Africa Imports — History
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South Africa Imports — analysis in simple words
Latest reading
Imports in South Africa increased to 126.02 USD billion in 2025 from 119.76 USD billion in 2024.
Over the last three years it rose once and fell twice.
Recent trend
A year earlier (2024) it was $119.8B, so the latest figure is $6.3B higher.
Over the past five years the average was $120.5B, with a range from $104.9B to $128.0B. The latest value is above that five-year average.
Historical context
This data series starts in 1960 and has 66 annual observations. The latest reading is higher than 97% of all of them.
The highest value on record is $128.0B (2022) and the lowest is $1.7B (1961). The long-run average is $45.3B.
Compared with other countries
Among 184 economies with recent data, South Africa ranks 43rd from the top. The median across all these economies is $20.4B, so South Africa is above the typical country.
Among 19 major economies tracked on this site it ranks 19th.
Within Sub-Saharan Africa (43 economies with data) it ranks 1st; the regional median is $7.0B.
Statistics
- Latest
- $126.0B2025
- Previous
- $119.8B
- 5-year average
- $120.5B
- Long-run average
- $45.3Bsince 1960
- All-time high
- $128.0B2022
- All-time low
- $1.7B1961
- Observations
- 66Annual
Recent Data
| Period | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $126.0B | ▲ +6.3 |
| 2024 | $119.8B | ▼ −3.9 |
| 2023 | $123.7B | ▼ −4.3 |
| 2022 | $128.0B | ▲ +23.1 |
| 2021 | $104.9B | ▲ +26.5 |
| 2020 | $78.4B | ▼ −25.6 |
| 2019 | $103.9B | ▼ −5.4 |
| 2018 | $109.4B | ▲ +9.5 |
| 2017 | $99.9B | ▲ +10.3 |
| 2016 | $89.6B | ▼ −10.9 |
| 2015 | $100.6B | ▼ −15.7 |
| 2014 | $116.3B | ▼ −6.0 |
| 2013 | $122.3B | ▼ −1.3 |
| 2012 | $123.6B | ▲ +0.1 |
| 2011 | $123.4B | ▲ +20.7 |
| 2010 | $102.8B | ▲ +21.6 |
| 2009 | $81.1B | ▼ −25.5 |
| 2008 | $106.6B | ▲ +9.5 |
| 2007 | $97.1B | ▲ +13.1 |
| 2006 | $84.1B | ▲ +15.2 |
| 2005 | $68.8B | ▲ +10.3 |
| 2004 | $58.5B | ▲ +15.6 |
| 2003 | $43.0B | ▲ +10.7 |
| 2002 | $32.3B | ▲ +1.4 |
| 2001 | $30.9B | ▼ −2.2 |
| 2000 | $33.1B | ▲ +2.8 |
| 1999 | $30.3B | ▼ −2.6 |
| 1998 | $32.9B | ▼ −2.0 |
| 1997 | $34.9B | ▲ +1.5 |
| 1996 | $33.3B |
Imports — South Africa vs Peers
Latest available reading for each economy (periods may differ). South Africa highlighted.
More South Africa indicators
Understanding Imports — a simple guide
What it measures
Imports of goods and services, current US dollars.
How it is calculated
Value of goods and services bought from other countries, in US dollars.
Imports include crude oil, electronics, gold and machinery.
Rising imports often reflect strong domestic demand.
Falling imports can reflect weaker demand or lower commodity prices.
Why it matters for the economy and markets
Imports reflect domestic demand and dependence on foreign energy, food and capital goods.
How to read it
Rising imports can signal strong domestic demand as well as competitiveness issues.
Data source
World Bank — World Development Indicators (series NE.IMP.GNFS.CD), annual data from 1960 to 2025. Values are shown exactly as published by the source and may be revised later.
How to use the chart
Use the 5Y / 10Y / 25Y / Max buttons to change the time range, or drag the slider under the chart. Hover (or tap) on the line to see the exact value for any period. Dashed lines and hatched bars are IMF projections, not actual data. The “Download CSV” button gives you the full data series.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current imports of South Africa?
What is the highest and lowest imports of South Africa?
What does imports measure?
Data are sourced from official international organisations (IMF, World Bank, BIS) and national authorities, and are shown for educational and informational purposes only. They are not investment advice and no recommendation is made. Figures may be revised by the source; IMF figures for the current and future years are projections. This page was last updated on Saturday, October 17, 2026.