South Africa-China Bilateral Trade Analysis 2023
Complete trade statistics: $49.05B total volume •South Africa surplus: $4.51B
South Africa → China
$26.78B
Exports (2023)
China → South Africa
$22.27B
Imports (2023)
Trade Balance
$4.51B
Surplus for South Africa
Total Trade
$49.05B
Combined Volume
Trade Flow Visualization
Direct trade relationship between South Africa and China. Green line shows exports from South Africa, red line shows imports.
Detailed Product Trade Analysis
Comprehensive breakdown of trade flows by product category, revealing the specialized nature of the South Africa-China commercial relationship and competitive positioning in global markets.
South Africa → China Exports
Export Market Intelligence
🎯 Strategic Export Focus
South Africa's export portfolio to China demonstrates strong diversification across multiple sectors, with metals: gold, non-monetary, unwrought (but not powder) representing a key competitive advantage in this bilateral market.
China → South Africa Imports
Import Dependency Profile
📦 Import Strategy Analysis
South Africa's import pattern from China reveals strategic sourcingin electric accumulators: lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square), highlighting complementary economic structures and potential supply chain optimization opportunities.
Competitive Trade Position Analysis
Market Leadership
South Africa demonstrates competitive strength in exportingmetals: gold, non-monetary, unwrought (but not powder) to China, leveraging comparative advantages.
Trade Complementarity
The bilateral relationship showsstrongcomplementarity, with each country specializing in different sectors.
Growth Potential
The $49.05B trade volume indicates substantial economic integration with room for expansion in emerging sectors.
Executive Summary: South Africa-China Trade Relationship
Key Trade Highlights 2023
- Total Trade Volume: $49.05 billionrepresenting a significant bilateral economic relationship
- Trade Balance: South Africa maintains a surplus of $4.51 billion
- Export Focus: South Africa's primary exports include metals: gold, non-monetary, unwrought (but not powder), iron ores and concentrates: non-agglomerated, diamonds: non-industrial, (other than unworked or simply sawn, cleaved or bruted), but not mounted or set
- Import Dependencies: Key imports from China include electric accumulators: lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square), telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks, electrical apparatus: photosensitive, including photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled in modules or made up into panels, light-emitting diodes (led)
Strategic Trade Indicators
📈 Market Position: This bilateral trade relationship represents a significant global trade partnerships, with complementary economic strengths driving sustained commercial exchange.
Historical Trade Analysis & Economic Context
Trade Evolution Timeline
2019-2023: Recent Trends
Current trade volume of $49.05B represents the culmination of evolving bilateral commercial relationships, influenced by global supply chain shifts and changing economic priorities.
2015-2019: Growth Period
Sustained expansion in bilateral trade driven by complementary economic structures, with South Africa leveraging its comparative advantages in metals: gold, non-monetary, unwrought (but not powder).
2010-2015: Foundation Building
Establishment of modern trade frameworks and reduction of barriers, facilitating increased commercial exchange and investment flows between the two economies.
Pre-2010: Early Development
Initial stages of bilateral trade relationship development, with focus on traditional export-import patterns and gradual market integration.
Key Economic Drivers
Comparative Advantage
South Africa's specialization in metals: gold, non-monetary, unwrought (but not powder)complements China's demand patterns, creating natural trade synergies.
Supply Chain Integration
Deep integration in global value chains has strengthened bilateral linkages, particularly in electric accumulators: lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square).
Market Access & Trade Policy
Favorable trade agreements and market access conditions have facilitated the growth of this $49.05B bilateral relationship.
Trade Pattern Insights
Trade Relationship Outlook
The $49.05B bilateral trade volume positions this relationship for continued growth, supported by technological advancement, evolving consumer preferences, and strengthening economic ties. Key opportunities lie in expanding cooperation in emerging sectors while managing potential supply chain vulnerabilities.
Economic Impact & Strategic Outlook
Economic Impact Assessment
Trade Volume Impact
The $49.05 billion bilateral trade volume represents a significant economic factorfor both economies.
Industrial Integration
Trade flows in metals: gold, non-monetary, unwrought (but not powder) and electric accumulators: lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square) demonstrate deep industrial linkages and supply chain integration.
Trade Balance Effects
South Africa's trade surplus of $4.51 billion strengthens its overall economic position in this bilateral relationship.
Strategic Future Outlook
🚀Growth Opportunities
⚠️Risk Factors
🎯Strategic Recommendations
- Strengthen cooperation in high-value sectors beyond current trade patterns
- Develop alternative supply chains to reduce dependency risks
- Explore joint ventures in emerging technology sectors
- Enhance trade facilitation and reduce transaction costs
Market Position & Competitive Summary
The bilateral trade relationship between South Africa and China represents a total trade volume of $49.05 billion in 2023. This partnership demonstrates a favorable trade balance for South Africa, with exports exceeding importsby $4.51 billion.
Export Strengths
South Africa's exports to China total $26.78 billion, with competitive advantages in metals: gold, non-monetary, unwrought (but not powder), representing $9.71B or36.3% of bilateral exports.
Import Dependencies
Imports from China amount to $22.27 billion, highlighting economic interdependence in electric accumulators: lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square), with Electric accumulators: lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square) comprising7.6% of total imports.
The trade relationship reflects broader economic patterns and comparative advantages. The trade surplus indicates South Africa's competitive position in this bilateral relationship. This partnership is characterized by complementary trade flows, with each country specializing in different product categories based on their respective economic strengths, industrial capabilities, and position in global value chains.
Download Bilateral Trade Data
Access detailed trade data between South Africa and China in multiple formats.
Data Source: CEPII BACI (Base pour l'Analyse du Commerce International) • Last Updated: January 2025 • Coverage: 1995-2023