Imports of goods and services, Percent of GDP (Balance of Payments) in South Africa
South Africa: Imports of goods and services, Percent of GDP (Balance of Payments) was 30.97 in 2027. ▲ Rising
Imports of goods and services, Percent of GDP (Balance of Payments) in South Africa, 2000–2027
Source: International Monetary Fund.
Analysis
In 2027, imports of goods and services, percent of gdp (balance of payments) in South Africa stood at 30.97.
The figure is up 1.6% on the previous year and up 18.2% over ten years.
Over the whole period, imports of goods and services, percent of gdp (balance of payments) in South Africa peaked at 33.72 in 2008 and was at its lowest, 21.81, in 2003.
South Africa ranks 25th of 45 countries on this measure, in the middle of the range.
The long-run direction has been consistently rising across the 28 years of available data.
Imports of goods and services, Percent of GDP (Balance of Payments) in South Africa, year by year
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 21.82 | — |
| 2001 | 22.81 | +4.6% |
| 2002 | 25.03 | +9.7% |
| 2003 | 21.81 | -12.9% |
| 2004 | 22.89 | +4.9% |
| 2005 | 23.83 | +4.1% |
| 2006 | 27.67 | +16.1% |
| 2007 | 29.17 | +5.4% |
| 2008 | 33.72 | +15.6% |
| 2009 | 24.6 | -27.0% |
| 2010 | 24.62 | +0.1% |
| 2011 | 26.94 | +9.4% |
| 2012 | 28.44 | +5.6% |
| 2013 | 30.5 | +7.2% |
| 2014 | 30.5 | +0.0% |
| 2015 | 29.01 | -4.9% |
| 2016 | 27.71 | -4.5% |
| 2017 | 26.2 | -5.4% |
| 2018 | 26.99 | +3.0% |
| 2019 | 26.7 | -1.1% |
| 2020 | 23.18 | -13.2% |
| 2021 | 24.97 | +7.7% |
| 2022 | 31.41 | +25.8% |
| 2023 | 32.43 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | 29.85 | -7.9% |
| 2025 | 29.74 | -0.4% |
| 2026 | 30.48 | +2.5% |
| 2027 | 30.97 | +1.6% |
South Africa compared with similar countries
- South Africa's 30.97 is below the median for Sub-Saharan Africa, which is 31.7, 98% of the median. (45 countries reporting)
- South Africa's 30.97 is below the median for upper middle income countries, which is 37.69, 82% of the median. (6 countries reporting)
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 25.33 | 21.81 | 33.72 | 10 |
| 2010s | 27.76 | 24.62 | 30.5 | 10 |
| 2020s | 29.13 | 23.18 | 32.43 | 8 |
Countries ranked near South Africa
More trade data for South Africa
- Commodity Net Export Price Index, Individual Commodities Weighted by 109.35 (2025)
- Commodity Net Export Price Index, Individual Commodities Weighted by 100.81 (2025)
- Commodity Export Price Index, Individual Commodites Weighted by Ratio 99.79 (2025)
- Commodity Export Price Index, Individual Commodites Weighted by Ratio 95.89 (2025)
- Commodity Import Price Index, Individual Commodites Weighted by Ratio 98.98 (2025)
- Commodity Import Price Index, Individual Commodites Weighted by Ratio 77.42 (2025)
- Imports of low carbon technology products, Percent of GDP 1.03 (2024)
- Imports of low carbon technology products, US dollar (World), per 64.23 units per person (2024)
- Imports of low carbon technology products, US dollar (World), per 0.0102 units per US$ of GDP (2024)
- Exports of low carbon technology products, US dollar (World), gaps 1.75 billion (2024)
Frequently asked questions
- What is imports of goods and services, percent of gdp (balance of payments) in South Africa?
- Imports of goods and services, percent of gdp (balance of payments) in South Africa was 30.97 in 2027, according to International Monetary Fund.
- What is the highest imports of goods and services, percent of gdp (balance of payments) recorded in South Africa?
- The highest recorded value was 33.72 in 2008.
- What is the lowest imports of goods and services, percent of gdp (balance of payments) recorded in South Africa?
- The lowest recorded value was 21.81 in 2003.
- How does South Africa rank for imports of goods and services, percent of gdp (balance of payments)?
- South Africa ranks 25th out of 45 countries with data for 2027.
- Is imports of goods and services, percent of gdp (balance of payments) rising or falling in South Africa?
- Over the last ten years it is up 18.2%. The long-run trend across the full record is rising.
- Where does this South Africa data come from?
- The figures come from International Monetary Fund, published as part of Imports of goods and services, Percent of GDP (Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual, Sixth Edition (BPM6)). Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Economic Outlook (REO) provides information on recent economic developments and prospects for countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Data for the REO for sub-Saharan Africa are prepared in conjunction with the semi-annual World Economic Outlook (WEO) exercises, spring and fall.