Export-Import in South Africa

South Africa is a middle-income country which lies oncountry.
the southern tip of Africa. This beautiful country isThe United States has established trading with South
bounded by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Namibia,Africa which is manifested in the export-import
Botswana, and Zimbabwe lie on its North, whilecommitment that these two countries have entered
Swaziland and Mozambique lie on its East. Althoughupon. In fact, the United States is exporting an
the country is categorized as a middle-incomeexuberant amount of merchandise to the country as
country, it is blessed with abundant natural resourceswell. The top three major imports of the country
that help in boosting up its economy.from the United States include chemicals, machinery,
Even though, many cities and towns constitute S.A,and petroleum products. Germany, France, the United
advanced development is significant in four majorKingdom, Japan, and Saudi Arabia import some goods
areas only which are: Port Elizabeth, Cape Town,to South Africa as well. These countries import
Johannesburg, and Durban. Unfortunately, the otherenergy, capital goods, food, and fuel to S.A.
parts of the country aside from these four majorAside from chemicals, machinery, and petroleum, the
areas manifest poverty and poor development.United States also import telecommunications
However, some of these areas are recently showingequipment, new and used passenger cars, materials
growth in economic development.handling equipment, trucks, buses, special purpose
Unlike highly industrialized countries, development invehicles, civilian aircrafts, and industrial machines.
third world countries is rather slow. Despite thisBased from the amount of these imported goods,
reality, South Africa utilizes its resources and skills infuel seems to be taking the top priority. South Africa
establishing global trading. The three major exportsimports not only petroleum, but coal as well. This only
for which the country is famous for are diamonds,shows that there is a great need for fuel in the
gold, and platinum.country. Food products such as corn, oats, barley,
These three major products are exported into theand sorghum are some of the fastest growing
United States, Japan, United Kingdom, China, andimports too.
Italy. All these other countries rely mainly on theThe import and export activities of South Africa are
country for the supply of these goods. The countrywell guided by the Foreign Trade Organization which
was able to export $7.5 million worth of products andestablishes guidelines and requirements for export
merchandise to the United States alone in 2006. Overand import activities. Duties, taxes, and import
the years, the amount of S.A's export significantlysurcharges are imposed by the organization for the
increased, thus improving the economy of thisprotection of the trading ventures of South Africa.