Trade Policy Research Priorities for South Africa

As a small open economy, export growth is critical to South Africa’s future growth and development. However, despite emphasis on boosting export growth and diversification in key policy frameworks, South Africa's export growth has remained stagnant, lagging behind that of other developing economies. Moreover, exports remain heavily concentrated in minerals and metal products, despite some growth in manufactured goods, particularly in the automotive sector. These export trends pose a significant challenge to achieving the country’s wider development objectives, as outlined in the NDP. This report examines South Africa's export behaviour and competitiveness, evaluating the effectiveness and potential implications of existing trade and industrial policies. By doing so, it seeks to pinpoint areas for further research and policy engagement, with the goal of informing reforms and interventions that will enhance South Africa's future export performance.