South Africa Trade Openness
Trade as % of GDP NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS
South Africa's trade openness was 69.23% in 2025, ranked 116th globally. This represents a 12.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 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.
South Africa's trade openness, as measured by the World Bank, has experienced significant fluctuations over the past 66 years. The country's trade openness ratio has expanded from 46.86 in 1960 to its current peak of 69.23 in 2025, surpassing that of peer countries such as Italy and Ghana. However, this upward trend was not always linear, as South Africa's trade openness hit its all-time trough of 34.32 in 1992, a period marked by economic sanctions and isolation following the apartheid regime. Since then, the country has gradually increased its trade openness, with the ratio steadily rising to its current level. This growth in trade openness is likely to continue, driven by South Africa's efforts to diversify its economy and increase its participation in global trade. A significant shift in the trajectory of South Africa's trade openness could be triggered by a major expansion of its trade agreements with other regional and global partners.
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 |
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 trade openness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's trade openness was 69.23% in 2025. Ranked 116th globally. This represents a 12.3% increase from the previous year.
South Africa's trade openness peaked at 69.23% in 2025.
The lowest trade openness in South Africa was 34.32% in 1992.
South Africa ranks 116th globally in trade openness as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's trade openness is projected to reach 69.23% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The trade openness of South Africa in 2025 was 69.23%. This ranks 116th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_trade-openness,
title = {South Africa Trade Openness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/trade-openness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}