Export Performance of South Africa in 2025 – Challenges and Solutions

Abstract

There is a global shift in trade and most countries are scrambling in responding to the dynamics of this shift, South Africa is no different. This research paper aims at understanding export underperformance of South Africa and proposes suggestions that can reverse this trend. These suggestions focus on how government policies can unlock new opportunities, promote domestic competitiveness, and address critical supply constrains in the overall export performance of South Africa. Challenges of each industry are analysed for suggested actions to be tailor-made. Suggested actions are specific to government department and divided into short, medium and long term segments.