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.

South Africa: which ports handle goods from Turkey?

The main ports are Durban, Cape Town, Ngqura and Gqeberha, Richards Bay.

South Africa: what does a shipment from Turkey need beyond the standard documents?

Products under compulsory specifications, such as many electrical goods and vehicle parts, need a Letter of Authority from the NRCS before sale; some goods need an ITAC import permit.

South Africa: do Turkish goods get a preferential duty rate?

Not under a bilateral agreement: Turkey's free trade agreements in force in Africa cover Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt. Standard duties generally apply, and AfCFTA preferences cover goods of African origin, not Turkish goods.

Country Profiles

South Africa

South 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.

Four charts for South Africa. Population rises from about 45 million in 2000 to 57 million in 2017. GDP grows from about US$135 billion to a peak near US$460 billion in 2011, then falls to about US$350 billion. Total exports and imports track each other between about US$75 and US$125 billion. Exports to Turkey stay around US$1.5 billion, above imports from Turkey at about US$0.5 to US$0.9 billion.

Turkey's exports to South Africa in 2008 and 2017: a pie chart splitting the ten largest product groups from all others, the total value of exports, and a table naming those ten products with each one's share. The same figures are listed as a table further down this page.

All Countries

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.

South Africa: practical trade guide

What a shipment between Turkey and this market needs, how the goods get there, and what to settle before you sign.

Main ports: Durban, Cape Town, Ngqura and Gqeberha, Richards Bay
Currency: South African rand (ZAR)
Trade blocs: AfCFTA, SADC, SACU
Trade agreement with Turkey: None in force: standard duties generally apply

Specific to South Africa

Products under compulsory specifications, such as many electrical goods and vehicle parts, need a Letter of Authority from the NRCS before sale; some goods need an ITAC import permit.

Standard documents

Commercial invoice and packing list
Bill of lading or air waybill
Certificate of origin issued by a Turkish chamber of commerce
Insurance certificate when the Incoterm includes insurance (CIF, CIP)

Before you sign

Check the counterparty: registration, activity and references
Match the payment structure to the risk: advance or partial payment, documentary collection or a letter of credit
Confirm whether your product needs a certificate or registration in this market before production starts

Reviewed October 2026. Requirements change: confirm the current rules for your product with your forwarder, the buyer's customs broker or us before shipping.

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.

2008
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.

2017
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.
South Africa: which ports handle goods from Turkey?: The main ports are Durban, Cape Town, Ngqura and Gqeberha, Richards Bay.
South Africa: what does a shipment from Turkey need beyond the standard documents?: Products under compulsory specifications, such as many electrical goods and vehicle parts, need a Letter of Authority from the NRCS before sale; some goods need an ITAC import permit.
South Africa: do Turkish goods get a preferential duty rate?: Not under a bilateral agreement: Turkey's free trade agreements in force in Africa cover Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt. Standard duties generally apply, and AfCFTA preferences cover goods of African origin, not Turkish goods.

Other country profiles

Reviewed by Burak Unal, Director of African Markets