Volkswagen Polo The Volkswagen Polo was South Africa's biggest export last month. Picture: Supplied
Image: Supplied
Following a disappointing year for South African vehicle exports, 2025 got off to a positive start with a 29.5% gain compared to January 2024.
25,348 locally-made vehicles were exported in January, according to Naamsa, representing a year-on-year increase of 5,803 units.
This is a positive development, given that the full year of 2024 saw exports decline by 22.8% to 308,380 units, off 2023’s record figure of 399,594.
South Africa’s top exports in January 2025 were the Volkswagen Polo (10,168), Toyota Hilux (4,312), BMW X3 (3,700), Mercedes C-Class (3,100), Ford Ranger (2,239), Nissan Navara (611), Isuzu D-Max (471) and Toyota Fortuner (287).
Last year Volkswagen became the sole exporter of Polo hatchbacks to Europe and the Asia Pacific region, with the Kariega-based company exporting a record 131,485 vehicles.
The Ford Ranger was South Africa’s top bakkie export in 2024, with a volume of 66,284 units, up 15.7% on the previous year. It also achieved a record monthly export figure of 10,574 in November last year.
Naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa stated that anticipated interest rate cuts in South Africa’s primary export markets should sustain positive momentum in the short to medium term. However, Donald Trump’s US presidency poses potential risks to the long-term outlook.
“It’s worth noting that the success and magnitude of US tariffs could have significant spillover effects on South Africa and other markets, potentially leading to increased export revenues and inflation,” Mabasa said.
South Africa exports a significant quantity of cars to the US and our industry’s biggest risk is the potential loss of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provides duty-free access to that market. This policy is up for renewal in 2025 and given the recent diplomatic tussles between Pretoria and Washington, the risk of losing it looms large.
IOL
Related Topics: