The latest plotted observation compared with the one immediately before it.
Trade · official observation
South Africa imports
The latest available value was 29.5% in 2025. Compared with 2024, the latest value changed by -0.4 pts.
Latest availableWorld Bank sourceNo forecast values
Latest available value29.5%
South Africa · 2025
Change from 2024-0.4 pts
One period comparison, not annualized
Data statusLatest available
Observed source series
Historical observationsSouth Africa Imports
29.5%2025
Explain this chart
Domestic demand, Exchange rates, Supply chains
A broad ratio cannot identify essential dependencies or distinguish consumer goods from production inputs.
View accessible data table
| Period | Value | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 29.5% | observed |
| 2024 | 29.9% | observed |
| 2023 | 32.4% | observed |
| 2022 | 31.4% | observed |
| 2021 | 25% | observed |
| 2020 | 23.2% | observed |
| 2019 | 26.7% | observed |
| 2018 | 27% | observed |
| 2017 | 26.2% | observed |
| 2016 | 27.7% | observed |
What this number measures
The value of goods and services purchased from abroad as a percentage of GDP.
Why people watch it
It indicates how much households and businesses rely on goods and services produced elsewhere.
- 01Domestic demand
- 02Exchange rates
- 03Supply chains
- 04Energy and food needs
These are common mechanisms, not claims about what caused the latest movement in South Africa.
Limits of this comparison
A broad ratio cannot identify essential dependencies or distinguish consumer goods from production inputs.
Annual observations can refer to different release schedules. Recent values can also be revised by the source.
Source record
World Bank World Development Indicators
Series NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS. Retrieved August 5, 2026. Values remain attributable to the original source.