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Trade between South Africa and Denmark

Below you can read about the trade, economic landscape, and collaborative efforts between Denmark and South Africa, offering a comprehensive overview of their bilateral relationship.

Economic Situation:

South Africa has an economy comparable in size to Denmark's, but with more than 10 times the population. The country has experienced zero growth over the past decade and struggles with high unemployment, particularly among youth, where almost two out of three are without jobs. Over half the population lives in poverty.

Despite challenges, South Africa is the largest recipient of foreign direct investment in Sub-Saharan Africa. Over 1,000 EU companies are present, creating approximately 400,000 jobs, primarily in the automotive industry, energy, and logistics. The EU accounts for over half of the country's FDI, while China is the largest single trading partner.

South Africa is also the most important destination for Danish investments in Africa. Large Danish companies such as Maersk, Novo Nordisk, Coloplast, DSV, Vestas, and others are active, and investment funds like CIP and AP Møller Capital play a central role in the green transition.

 

Key Economic Figures:

  • South Africa is the world's 42nd largest economy in 2025 with a GDP of USD 408 billion.

  • South Africa is the world's 24th largest country in 2025 with a population of 64.7 million people.

  • With an income level of USD 6,307 per capita, South Africa is an upper-middle-income country according to the World Bank.

  • Real GDP growth is expected to be 1.0% in 2025.

  • The current account balance is expected to have a deficit of 0.1% of GDP in 2025.

  • The public balance is expected to have a deficit of 5.0% of GDP in 2025.

  • Total public debt is expected to rise to 79.0% of GDP in 2025.

 

Total Danish Trade with South Africa:

  • South Africa was Denmark's 41st largest trading partner in 2024, with total trade amounting to DKK 13 billion, equivalent to 0.3% of Denmark's total trade.

  • South Africa was Denmark's 32nd largest export market in 2024, with total export revenue of DKK 9 billion, equivalent to 0.4% of Denmark's total export revenue.

  • South Africa was Denmark's 51st largest import market in 2024, with total import expenditure of DKK 4 billion, equivalent to 0.2% of Denmark's total import expenditure.

 

Trade in Goods with South Africa Crossing the Danish Border:

  • The largest export commodity group in 2024 was medical and pharmaceutical products (DKK 671.8 million).

  • In the first four months of 2025, Danish goods exports to South Africa amounted to DKK 938.8 million. This represents an increase of 6.9% compared to the same period in 2024 (DKK 878.0 million).

  • The largest import commodity group in 2024 was beverages (DKK 170.9 million).

  • In the first four months of 2025, Danish goods imports from South Africa amounted to DKK 199.1 million. This represents an increase of 1.7% compared to the same period in 2024 (DKK 195.7 million).

 

Investments and Subsidiaries:

  • Denmark's direct investments in South Africa amounted to DKK 7 billion at the end of 2023. South Africa was thus the 26th largest recipient country for Danish investments in 2023.

  • In 2023, there were 114 Danish subsidiaries in South Africa, employing 15,403 people. This made South Africa the 29th largest market for employment in Danish subsidiaries abroad.