South Africa to Germany Trade Corridor
South Africa to Germany: $16.0B bilateral trade, +1.8% YoY, rank #35 corridor, 2.8% average applied tariff, FTA status: Partial FTA.
Key facts
- Bilateral trade: $16.0B
- Year on year growth: +1.8%
- Corridor rank: #35 on ExportIQ
- Average applied tariff: 2.8%
- Trade agreement status: Partial FTA
- Typical transit time: 18-22 days
- Key ports: Durban, Cape Town, Hamburg, Bremerhaven
Trade relationship
South Africa-Germany trade is Europe's strongest African trade link. German automotive manufacturers operate SA plants (BMW, Mercedes), while South African minerals, wines, and citrus reach German consumers.
Top traded products between South Africa and Germany
The largest product groups on this corridor are Vehicles (BMW, Mercedes exports), Ores and concentrates, Platinum. Together they make up 50% of bilateral trade.
| HS Chapter | Product | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 87 | Vehicles (BMW, Mercedes exports) | $3.5B | 21.9% |
| 26 | Ores and concentrates | $2.5B | 15.6% |
| 71 | Platinum | $2.0B | 12.5% |
| 08 | Citrus fruits | $600M | 3.8% |
| 22 | Wine | $350M | 2.2% |
| 84 | Machinery | $1.5B | 9.4% |
Tariffs and trade agreements
The average applied tariff is 2.8%. Free trade agreement status: Partial FTA.
Applicable trade agreements:
- EU-SADC EPA
- WTO
Required certifications
Exporters on this corridor should expect to provide 4 certifications.
- SABS
- CE Marking
- NRCS
- ISO 9001
Trade logistics and key ports
Estimated transit time is 18-22 days. The corridor runs through 4 key ports.
- Durban
- Cape Town
- Hamburg
- Bremerhaven
Check duty and demand for your product on this corridor
Questions, answered
- What are the top products traded between South Africa and Germany?
- Vehicles (BMW, Mercedes exports), Ores and concentrates, Platinum
- What is the average tariff rate for South Africa to Germany trade?
- The average applied tariff rate is 2.8%. FTA status: Partial FTA.
- How long does shipping take from South Africa to Germany?
- Typical transit time is 18-22 days via Durban and Cape Town.
- How large is trade between South Africa and Germany?
- Bilateral trade is $16.0B, up 1.8% year on year. It ranks #35 among the corridors ExportIQ tracks.
- Which certifications are required for South Africa to Germany exports?
- Required certifications: SABS, CE Marking, NRCS, ISO 9001.