South Africa Imports
Imports of goods and services BM.GSR.GNFS.CD
South Africa's imports was $141.2B in 2025, ranked 41st globally. This represents a 17.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
South Africa's imports stood at $141.2B in 2025, a rise of +$21.3B from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach $141.2B by 2025. South Africa ranked 41st globally.
South Africa's imports have experienced significant fluctuations over the past 66 years, with the latest value standing at 141,211,398,678.02 in 2025. The country's trade balance has been marked by periods of high growth, as evident in the all-time peak of 141,211,398,678.02 in 2025, and periods of decline, such as the all-time trough of 1,698,199,321.40 in 1961. Comparatively, Greece, ranking second closest to South Africa in terms of imports, has seen a similar trajectory, with its all-time peak reaching 144,243,892,077.19 in 2024. The country's import growth is closely tied to its economic development, with a stable and diversified economy likely to continue driving import demand. South Africa's continued economic growth, coupled with any potential shifts in global trade patterns, will likely influence its import trajectory, with a potential increase in imports expected if the country's economic growth accelerates or if trade agreements are renegotiated.
Data & projection
| Year | Imports | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | $161.3B | - | - |
| 2026* trend | $151.3B | - | - |
| 2025* trend | $141.2B | - | - |
| 2025 | $141.2B | +$21.3B | #41 |
| 2024 | $119.9B | −$3.8B | #108 |
| 2023 | $123.7B | −$4.2B | #131 |
| 2022 | $127.9B | +$23.0B | #137 |
| 2021 | $104.8B | +$25.8B | #139 |
| 2020 | $79.0B | −$24.8B | #141 |
| 2019 | $103.9B | −$5.5B | #144 |
| 2018 | $109.4B | +$9.6B | #144 |
| 2017 | $99.8B | +$9.9B | #147 |
| 2016 | $89.9B | −$10.9B | #149 |
| 2015 | $100.8B | −$15.4B | #153 |
| 2014 | $116.2B | −$5.9B | #154 |
| 2013 | $122.2B | −$1.4B | #151 |
| 2012 | $123.6B | +$201.5M | #153 |
| 2011 | $123.4B | +$20.4B | #153 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw imports improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
The call to let chicken import duties expire suggests a potential for increased chicken imports into South Africa. Additionally, the anticipated fuel-driven jump in October inflation indicates higher costs for imported fuel, which could contribute to an increase in the overall value of South Africa's $141.2B imports.
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's imports was $141.2B in 2025. Ranked 41st globally. This represents a 17.8% increase from the previous year.
South Africa's imports peaked at $141.2B in 2025.
The lowest imports in South Africa was $1.7B in 1961.
South Africa ranks 41st globally in imports as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is BM.GSR.GNFS.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's imports is projected to reach $141.2B by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
South Africa's imports was approximately 141.21 billion ($141.2B) in 2025.
The imports of South Africa in 2025 was $141.2B. This ranks 41st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_imports,
title = {South Africa Imports},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/imports/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}