South Africa-Gabon Bilateral Trade Analysis 2023

Complete trade statistics: $56.62M total volume •South Africa surplus: $56.62M

South AfricaGabon

$56.62M

Exports (2023)

GabonSouth Africa

$0

Imports (2023)

Trade Balance

$56.62M

Surplus for South Africa

Total Trade

$56.62M

Combined Volume

Trade Flow Visualization

Direct trade relationship between South Africa and Gabon. 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-Gabon commercial relationship and competitive positioning in global markets.

South AfricaGabon Exports

$56.62M
2023 Total

Export Market Intelligence

Product Diversity:
Specialized Focus
Market Share:
13.3% top product
1Vehicles: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1
$7.52M
13.3% of exports
2Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 2500cc
$3.46M
6.1% of exports
3Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 2500cc
$3.33M
5.9% of exports
4Ferro-alloys: ferro-silicon, containing by weight 55% or less of silicon
$2.64M
4.7% of exports
5Cereal groats and meal: of maize (corn)
$2.17M
3.8% of exports

🎯 Strategic Export Focus

South Africa's export portfolio to Gabon demonstrates strategic specialization, with vehicles: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1 representing a key competitive advantage in this bilateral market.

GabonSouth Africa Imports

$0
2023 Total

Import Dependency Profile

Supply Diversity:
Concentrated
Critical Imports:
Infinity% concentration
1Aeroplanes and other aircraft: of an unladen weight exceeding 15,000kg
$9.71M
Infinity% of imports
2Petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not crude: preparations n.e.c. containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals: these being the basic constituents of the preparations: waste oils
$2.61M
Infinity% of imports
3Wood, tropical, n.e.c. in item no. 4407.2, sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether or not planed, sanded or end-jointed, of a thickness exceeding 6mm
$1.68M
Infinity% of imports
4Helicopters: of an unladen weight not exceeding 2000kg
$1.47M
Infinity% of imports
5Vessels: n.e.c. in heading no. 8901, for the transport of goods and other vessels for the transport of both persons and goods
$945,825
Infinity% of imports

📦 Import Strategy Analysis

South Africa's import pattern from Gabon reveals significant dependencyin aeroplanes and other aircraft: of an unladen weight exceeding 15,000kg, highlighting complementary economic structures and potential supply chain optimization opportunities.

Competitive Trade Position Analysis

🏆

Market Leadership

South Africa demonstrates competitive strength in exportingvehicles: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1 to Gabon, leveraging comparative advantages.

Export Leader in 5+ Categories
🔄

Trade Complementarity

The bilateral relationship showsmoderatecomplementarity, with each country specializing in different sectors.

Specialized Exchange
📈

Growth Potential

The $56.62M trade volume indicates substantial economic integration with room for expansion in emerging sectors.

Significant Partnership

Executive Summary: South Africa-Gabon Trade Relationship

Key Trade Highlights 2023

  • Total Trade Volume: $56.62 millionrepresenting a significant bilateral economic relationship
  • Trade Balance: South Africa maintains a surplus of $56.62 million
  • Export Focus: South Africa's primary exports include vehicles: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1, vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 2500cc, vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 2500cc
  • Import Dependencies: Key imports from Gabon include aeroplanes and other aircraft: of an unladen weight exceeding 15,000kg, petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not crude: preparations n.e.c. containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals: these being the basic constituents of the preparations: waste oils, wood, tropical, n.e.c. in item no. 4407.2, sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether or not planed, sanded or end-jointed, of a thickness exceeding 6mm

Strategic Trade Indicators

Trade IntensityHigh
Export DiversificationConcentrated
Trade Balance HealthImbalanced

📈 Market Position: This bilateral trade relationship represents an important regional 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 $56.62M 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 vehicles: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1.

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

1

Comparative Advantage

South Africa's specialization in vehicles: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1complements Gabon's demand patterns, creating natural trade synergies.

2

Supply Chain Integration

Deep integration in global value chains has strengthened bilateral linkages, particularly in aeroplanes and other aircraft: of an unladen weight exceeding 15,000kg.

3

Market Access & Trade Policy

Favorable trade agreements and market access conditions have facilitated the growth of this $56.62M bilateral relationship.

Trade Pattern Insights

Trade ComplementarityAsymmetric
Seasonal VariationsModerate
Product ConcentrationMedium
Market DependencyHigh
🔮

Trade Relationship Outlook

The $56.62M 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 $56.62 million bilateral trade volume represents a important trade relationshipfor both economies.

Economic Significance: Moderate
🏭

Industrial Integration

Trade flows in vehicles: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1 and aeroplanes and other aircraft: of an unladen weight exceeding 15,000kg demonstrate deep industrial linkages and supply chain integration.

Supply Chain Integration: Specialized
⚖️

Trade Balance Effects

South Africa's trade surplus of $56.62 million strengthens its overall economic position in this bilateral relationship.

Balance Impact: Export Advantage

Strategic Future Outlook

🚀Growth Opportunities

Emerging Sectors
Technology transfer and innovation cooperation in vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 2500cc present expansion opportunities.
Market Diversification
Beyond current focus on aeroplanes and other aircraft: of an unladen weight exceeding 15,000kg, new product categories offer potential for trade expansion.

⚠️Risk Factors

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
High trade imbalance may create supply chain risks
Market Competition
Global competition in vehicles: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1 may affect future market positioning.

🎯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 Gabon represents a total trade volume of $56.62 million in 2023. This partnership demonstrates a favorable trade balance for South Africa, with exports exceeding importsby $56.62 million.

Export Strengths

South Africa's exports to Gabon total $56.62 million, with competitive advantages in vehicles: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1, representing $7.52M or13.3% of bilateral exports.

Import Dependencies

Imports from Gabon amount to $0.00, highlighting economic interdependence in aeroplanes and other aircraft: of an unladen weight exceeding 15,000kg, with Aeroplanes and other aircraft: of an unladen weight exceeding 15,000kg comprisingInfinity% 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 Gabon in multiple formats.

Data Source: CEPII BACI (Base pour l'Analyse du Commerce International) • Last Updated: January 2025 • Coverage: 1995-2023