South Africa's imports rose by 3.9% over a month to ZAR 146.5 billion in January 2026, driven by purchases of base metals (30%); original equipment components (21%); vehicles & transport equipment (15%) and mineral products (5%), offsetting a 21% drop in prepared foodstuffs. Imports increased from Africa (45%), the Americas (20%), Oceania (11.9%) and Europe (11.6%), but slipped from Asia (-7.7%). source: South African Revenue Service

Imports in South Africa increased to 146475.16 ZAR Million in January from 141033.92 ZAR Million in December of 2025. Imports in South Africa averaged 30654.58 ZAR Million from 1957 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 184982.88 ZAR Million in March of 2023 and a record low of 66.10 ZAR Million in September of 1961. This page provides the latest reported value for - South Africa Imports - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news. South Africa Imports - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on March of 2026.

Imports in South Africa increased to 146475.16 ZAR Million in January from 141033.92 ZAR Million in December of 2025. Imports in South Africa is expected to be 152000.00 ZAR Million by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the South Africa Imports is projected to trend around 158000.00 ZAR Million in 2027, according to our econometric models.



Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Balance of Trade 9310.00 22380.00 ZAR Million Jan 2026
Current Account -57023.00 -72223.00 ZAR Million Sep 2025
Current Account to GDP -0.60 -1.60 percent of GDP Dec 2024
Exports 155789.54 164415.17 ZAR Million Jan 2026
Exports by Category
Exports by Country
External Debt 193047.00 180237.00 USD Million Sep 2025
Foreign Direct Investment -21000.00 -73452.00 ZAR Million Sep 2025
Gold Reserves 125.50 125.47 Tonnes Dec 2025
Imports 146475.16 141033.92 ZAR Million Jan 2026
Imports by Category
Imports by Country
Terms of Trade 110.60 110.00 points Sep 2025
Terrorism Index 0.00 0.00 Points Dec 2024
Tourist Arrivals 1439386.00 1339217.00 Jan 2026
Weapons Sales 27.00 58.00 SIPRI TIV Million Dec 2024


South Africa Imports
South Africa main imports are: machinery (21.3 percent of total imports), mineral products (16.9 percent), chemicals (12.6 percent) and vehicles and aircraft vessels (7.7 percent). Main trading partners are China, India and the US.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
146475.16 141033.92 184982.88 66.10 1957 - 2026 ZAR Million Monthly
Current Prices, NSA


International Trade
Exports by Country  |   Exports by Category  |   Imports by Country  |   Imports by Category