South Africa is the largest destination for India's export in the African region. Total merchandise trade grew by a CAGR of 7.19% between 2017-18 and 2021-22 (calculation has been made by taking data for Apr-Feb 2021-22 as per latest data availability). Total trade has been recorded at its highest at USD 14.07 billion in 2021-22 (Apr-Jan) where both total exports and imports reached all-time high. Exports from India to South Africa include vehicles and components thereof, transport equipment, drugs and pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, footwear, dyes and intermediates, chemicals, textiles, rice, gems and jewellery, etc.
Like the broader merchandise trade, South Africa is the largest destination for India's engineering exports with over USD 2 billion of shipments in 2021-22 (Apr-Jan). Engineering exports to South Africa recorded a 10.31% CAGR between 2018-19 and 2021-22 (Apr-Jan) and reached its all-time high in 2021-22 with one more month left. India's major engineering exports to South Africa include Motor Vehicle/Cars; Ships, Boats and Floating Structures; Iron and Steel; Industrial Machinery; Auto Components/Parts; Other Construction Machinery and Electric Machinery & Equipment among others. Total exports of motor vehicle/cars and auto components/parts in 2021-22 was recorded at USD 1.03 billion that covers over half of India's engineering shipments to South Africa.