BY ANDREW DLAMINI
MBABANE – Eswatini has a substantial made E22. 92 billion in exports to South Africa in 2022.
The latest data from the South African High Commission reveals that nearly 74 percent of Eswatini’s goods and services were directed towards South Africa.
As per the most recent information gathered from the South African High Commission on trade and investments between Eswatini and South Africa, as reported by the Times of Eswatini, key products in Eswatini’s exports include scented mixtures valued atE5. 762 billion, raw sugar at E4. 273 billion, and industrial fatty acids, oils, and alcohols totaling E2. 304 billion.
Simultaneously, South with exports totaling E25. 540 billion to Eswatini during the same period. Leading the exports were mineral fuels, oils, and distillation products, petroleum, contributing E3. 878 billion, followed by vehicles at E1. 646 billion, machinery and boilers at E1. 586 billion, and electricity.
In 2022, Eswatini had its position as South Africa’s 19th largest export market and 21st largest import source. Notably, South Africa’s exports to Eswatini experienced an 11.2 percent increase compared to 2021, while imports from Eswatini surged by 22.9 percent. South Africa remained Eswatini’s major trading partner, accounting for a remarkable 84 percent of the country’s total trade.
When Eswatini’s export market was analyzed, it was revealed that nearly 77 percent of the country’s total annual exports in 2020 were destined for Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, a trend that has continued into 2022.
Moreover, Eswatini has not only strengthened its economic ties but has also become one of the top five inbound African markets for South African tourism. The tourism sector witnessed a significant boost, with a remarkable 124.5 percent increase in tourists from South Africa visiting Eswatini between January and September 2022.
