Country Profiles
South Africa
South AfricaSouth Africa is one of the most developed countries in the African continent. It is bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland and Lesotho. Its population is 57 million and has $350 billion GDP, second after Nigeria. South Africa is one of the founding members of the African Union.
South Africa became an independent country in 1931 from the United Kingdom. Its official language is English, however there are local languages in specific regions. Its capital city is Cape Town, and Johannesburg is one of the biggest cities and economic hubs. South Africa is the headquarter of major African corporations, such as MTN Group and Sasol.
China is the most influential trade partner of South Africa. China has the highest share both in imports and exports. The most important export products of South Africa are precious metals such as gold and diamond.South Africa has a positive trade balance, it exports more than it imports.
In South Africa, there have already been big-scale investments of Turkish companies. For example, Arcelik bought Defy, a South African home appliances company, for 324 million dollars in 2011. There are also a considerable number of Turkish textile and mining companies in South Africa.The value of the Turkish investments in South Africa is more than $500 Million.
Below, you can see the fact sheet, macroeconomic outlook and trade relations of South Africa with Turkey.
Country at a glance
- Capital city
- Cape Town
- Official language
- English
- Population
- 57 million
- GDP
- $350 billion
- GDP per capita
- $6,161
- Human Development Index
- 0.699
- Top 3 import partners
- China, Germany, USA
- Top 3 export partners
- China, United Kingdom, USA
- Top 3 import products
- Crude Petroleum, Refined Petroleum, Cars
- Top 3 export products
- Gold, Diamond, Platinum
- Trade balance
- +$26.4B in net exports
Source: Istanbul Africa Trade Company, Africa Economic Report (2019). Figures as published, reflecting data to 2017.
Turkey's exports to this market
Source: Istanbul Africa Trade Company, Africa Economic Report. Figures as published.
2008
$1,327 million
Top 10 products account for 83.2% of the total.
| Product | Share of total |
|---|---|
| Gold | 48.1% |
| Refined Petroleum | 25.4% |
| Toilet Paper | 1.8% |
| Cars | 1.6% |
| Vehicle Parts | 1.4% |
| Tractors | 1.4% |
| Seats | 1.1% |
| Building Stone | 0.9% |
| Polyamide Fabric | 0.9% |
| Washing and Bottling Machines | 0.8% |
2017
$607 million
Top 10 products account for 42.9% of the total.
| Product | Share of total |
|---|---|
| Refined Petroleum | 14.5% |
| Cars | 7.8% |
| Rubber Tires | 4.7% |
| Vehicle Parts | 3.4% |
| Cellulose Fibers Paper | 2.8% |
| Delivery Trucks | 2.2% |
| Machinery Having Individual Functions | 2.2% |
| Tractors | 1.8% |
| Copper Wire | 1.8% |
| Washing and Bottling Machines | 1.7% |
Frequently asked questions
- South Africa: what does Turkey export there?
- In 2017, Turkey's exports to this market were valued at $607 million. The ten largest product groups made up 42.9% of that total, led by Refined Petroleum; Cars; Rubber Tires.
- South Africa: who are its main trading partners?
- The three largest import partners are China, Germany, USA. The three largest export partners are China, United Kingdom, USA.
- South Africa: what does the country import?
- The three largest import products are Crude Petroleum; Refined Petroleum; Cars. The three largest export products are Gold; Diamond; Platinum.
- South Africa: how big is the economy?
- Population 57 million, GDP $350 billion, and $6,161 per person. The Human Development Index is 0.699.
- South Africa: does it run a trade surplus or a deficit?
- The trade balance is +$26.4B in net exports.
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Reviewed by Burak Unal, Director of African Markets