United Rep. of Tanzania-South Africa Bilateral Trade Analysis 2023
Complete trade statistics: $1.76B total volume •United Rep. of Tanzania surplus: $551.61M
United Rep. of Tanzania → South Africa
$1.16B
Exports (2023)
South Africa → United Rep. of Tanzania
$605.35M
Imports (2023)
Trade Balance
$551.61M
Surplus for United Rep. of Tanzania
Total Trade
$1.76B
Combined Volume
Trade Flow Visualization
Direct trade relationship between United Rep. of Tanzania and South Africa. Green line shows exports from United Rep. of Tanzania, red line shows imports.
Detailed Product Trade Analysis
Comprehensive breakdown of trade flows by product category, revealing the specialized nature of the United Rep. of Tanzania-South Africa commercial relationship and competitive positioning in global markets.
United Rep. of Tanzania → South Africa Exports
Export Market Intelligence
🎯 Strategic Export Focus
United Rep. of Tanzania's export portfolio to South Africa demonstrates strategic specialization, with metals: gold, non-monetary, unwrought (but not powder) representing a key competitive advantage in this bilateral market.
South Africa → United Rep. of Tanzania Imports
Import Dependency Profile
📦 Import Strategy Analysis
United Rep. of Tanzania's import pattern from South Africa reveals significant dependencyin iron or non-alloy steel: semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel, containing by weight less than 0.25% of carbon, other than rectangular or square cross-section, highlighting complementary economic structures and potential supply chain optimization opportunities.
Competitive Trade Position Analysis
Market Leadership
United Rep. of Tanzania demonstrates competitive strength in exportingmetals: gold, non-monetary, unwrought (but not powder) to South Africa, leveraging comparative advantages.
Trade Complementarity
The bilateral relationship showsmoderatecomplementarity, with each country specializing in different sectors.
Growth Potential
The $1.76B trade volume indicates substantial economic integration with room for expansion in emerging sectors.
Executive Summary: United Rep. of Tanzania-South Africa Trade Relationship
Key Trade Highlights 2023
- Total Trade Volume: $1.76 billionrepresenting a significant bilateral economic relationship
- Trade Balance: United Rep. of Tanzania maintains a surplus of $551.61 million
- Export Focus: United Rep. of Tanzania's primary exports include metals: gold, non-monetary, unwrought (but not powder), oils and products of the distillation of high temperature coal tar: naphthalene, tobacco: partly or wholly stemmed or stripped
- Import Dependencies: Key imports from South Africa include iron or non-alloy steel: semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel, containing by weight less than 0.25% of carbon, other than rectangular or square cross-section, 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, undenatured ethyl alcohol: of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80% vol. or higher
Strategic Trade Indicators
📈 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 $1.76B 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 United Rep. of Tanzania 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
United Rep. of Tanzania's specialization in metals: gold, non-monetary, unwrought (but not powder)complements South Africa's demand patterns, creating natural trade synergies.
Supply Chain Integration
Deep integration in global value chains has strengthened bilateral linkages, particularly in iron or non-alloy steel: semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel, containing by weight less than 0.25% of carbon, other than rectangular or square cross-section.
Market Access & Trade Policy
Favorable trade agreements and market access conditions have facilitated the growth of this $1.76B bilateral relationship.
Trade Pattern Insights
Trade Relationship Outlook
The $1.76B 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 $1.76 billion bilateral trade volume represents a important trade relationshipfor both economies.
Industrial Integration
Trade flows in metals: gold, non-monetary, unwrought (but not powder) and iron or non-alloy steel: semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel, containing by weight less than 0.25% of carbon, other than rectangular or square cross-section demonstrate deep industrial linkages and supply chain integration.
Trade Balance Effects
United Rep. of Tanzania's trade surplus of $551.61 million 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 United Rep. of Tanzania and South Africa represents a total trade volume of $1.76 billion in 2023. This partnership demonstrates a favorable trade balance for United Rep. of Tanzania, with exports exceeding importsby $551.61 million.
Export Strengths
United Rep. of Tanzania's exports to South Africa total $1.16 billion, with competitive advantages in metals: gold, non-monetary, unwrought (but not powder), representing $1.08B or92.9% of bilateral exports.
Import Dependencies
Imports from South Africa amount to $605.35 million, highlighting economic interdependence in iron or non-alloy steel: semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel, containing by weight less than 0.25% of carbon, other than rectangular or square cross-section, with Iron or non-alloy steel: semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel, containing by weight less than 0.25% of carbon, other than rectangular or square cross-section comprising8.3% of total imports.
The trade relationship reflects broader economic patterns and comparative advantages. The trade surplus indicates United Rep. of Tanzania'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 United Rep. of Tanzania and South Africa in multiple formats.
Data Source: CEPII BACI (Base pour l'Analyse du Commerce International) • Last Updated: January 2025 • Coverage: 1995-2023

