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South Africa Trade Openness

Trade as % of GDP  NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS

69.23% +7.58% (+12.3%)
Year 2025 Rank #116 Global Peak 69.23% (2025) Source World Bank

South Africa Trade Openness (1960–2025)

Overview

South Africa's trade openness stood at 69.23% in 2025, a rise of +7.58% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 69.23% by 2025. South Africa ranked 116th globally.

Data & projection

Year Trade Openness YoY change Rank
2027* trend 75.48% - -
2026* trend 72.36% - -
2025* trend 69.23% - -
2025 69.23% +7.58% #116
2024 61.65% −4.03% #53
2023 65.68% +0.73% #58
2022 64.95% +8.78% #54
2021 56.16% +5.41% #49
2020 50.76% −3.14% #50
2019 53.90% −0.59% #42
2018 54.49% +0.95% #40
2017 53.54% −2.33% #42
2016 55.86% −0.87% #52
2015 56.73% −2.77% #50
2014 59.50% +0.62% #52
2013 58.88% +3.29% #49
2012 55.58% +0.95% #39
2011 54.64% +4.23% #35
Show all years (1960-2025)
* Linear trend extrapolation

Detected Pattern

Export Boom Cycle
Current account surplus with strong export growth (>15% YoY), reserve accumulation, and moderate GDP growth. Typical of commodity exporters during price surges.
Reserves YoY +14.4% GDP growth 3.2% C/A balance 0.0%
Occurred 768 times, 546 successful
Reserves YoY
+25.6%
GDP growth
4.0%
C/A balance
14.5%
Reserves YoY
+14.6%
GDP growth
3.7%
C/A balance
2.9%
Reserves YoY
+12.8%
GDP growth
43.8%
C/A balance
16.4%
Reserves YoY
+12.6%
GDP growth
6.0%
C/A balance
0.5%
Reserves YoY
+38.3%
GDP growth
5.0%
C/A balance
1.2%
Reserves YoY
+18.0%
GDP growth
2.9%
C/A balance
3.9%

Analysis

South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw trade openness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is South Africa's trade openness?

South Africa's trade openness was 69.23% in 2025. Ranked 116th globally. This represents a 12.3% increase from the previous year.

What was the highest trade openness in South Africa?

South Africa's trade openness peaked at 69.23% in 2025.

What was the lowest trade openness in South Africa?

The lowest trade openness in South Africa was 34.32% in 1992.

How does South Africa rank in trade openness?

South Africa ranks 116th globally in trade openness as of 2025.

What is the World Bank indicator code for trade openness?

The World Bank indicator code is NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.

What is the projected trade openness of South Africa in 2025?

South Africa's trade openness is projected to reach 69.23% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.

What is the trade openness of South Africa in 2025?

The trade openness of South Africa in 2025 was 69.23%. This ranks 116th in the world.

Cite this page

APA
South Africa Trade Openness. HistorySaid. Retrieved April 2, 2026, from https://historysaid.com/south-africa/trade-openness
BibTeX
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_trade-openness, title = {South Africa Trade Openness}, url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/trade-openness}, publisher = {HistorySaid}, year = {2026} }