The nature of South Africa’s trade patterns by economic sector, and the extent of trade liberalization during the course of the 1990’s

Policy Paper (Interest) 03

We explore changing trade protection of the South African economy by means of Effective Protection Rates (EPR’s). Results on EPR’s for 28 manufacturing sectors over the 1988-98 period are presented. Findings suggest that trade liberalization of the South African economy has been less dramatic than is popularly thought. Analyzers proceed to suggest that trade liberalization is difficult to associate with increased import penetration of the SA economy, though liberalized sectors do appear to have demonstrated improved export performance.