In addition, from 1994 to 2000, the value in rands of South African exports to Africa surged, government statistics show.

But without new factories, few new African exports can be created.

Oil, platinum, diamonds and gold make up about 80 percent of current African exports to United States.

The UK was the top recipient of South African exports in 2001 and 2002 but dropped to fourth largest by 2008.

South African exports to the rest of Africa are predominantly of value-added goods.

Most South African exports to China in 2010 were primary products.

South African exports to its neighbors and the Soviet Union increased when the American market was closed to them, he said.

This initial increase was due to strong South African exports of maize to Taiwan in 1971.

Gold, which accounts for 40 percent or more of South African exports, has dropped to about $360 an ounce.

The asymmetrical trade agreement envisages, among other things, the 95% opening up of European markets to South African exports within ten years.