South Africa 

South Africa country policy

Policy established 01 May 2012

• Early warning signal 1150 mln euro
• - of which was used as at 2012-04-30 64 mln euro
• Open zonder beperkingen

Country class: 3

South Africa country facts

Atradius DSB Economic Research

Country Report last updated 14 June 2010
Country :  SOUTH AFRICA

Political Situation

Julius Malema Becomes A Liability

Head of state
President Jacob Zuma (since May 2009, elected for 5-year term).

Form of government
Government dominated by African National Congress (ANC)

Internal Economic Situation
Recovery But Budget Deficits 

General situation
SA’s economy is recovering quickly from the 2009 recession. However bank balances have been affected by the recession and the governments runs large budget deficits.
Supported by the SA Communist Party and the labour unions, it is likely he will endorse leftist policies. 
Under pressure from the ANC's left wing the privatisation program is restricted. 

External Economic Situation
Persistent Current Account Deficits

Main sources of foreign exchange
platinum (14%), gold (8%), coal (5.5%), cars (3.5%), tourism

Main foreign markets
EU [33%; UK (8%) , Germany (8%), Netherlands (5%)], US (12%), Japan (10%), China (9%).

Main expenses of foreign exchange
petrochemicals (12%), car components (10%), petroleum (4%).

Balance of payments 
Foreign capital inflow (mainly portfolio investment) is necessary to finance the current account deficits.