South Africa is a big mining power: the country provides 70% of the world platinum. It is the largest producer of gold and the 5th largest producer of diamonds in the world. Because of poor oil resources, the country had to develop a substitute energy: coal, which in South Africa accounts for 60% of the world reserves. The industry is diversified and the service sector is flourishing (65.2% of the GDP). Agriculture represents only 3.8% of the GDP but employs 30% of the active population. The country is the 6th largest producer of wine in the world.
In accordance with the Trade, Development and Cooperation agreement signed with the European Union in the year 2000, almost all the products imported from the European Union (EU) should be exempted from customs duties by the year 2012. The three top import partners are Germany, the United-States and China. The main imported products are transport & equipment goods, manufactured products, oils and chemical products.
Energy mining resources provide 68% of the country's export revenue. The three top export partners are the United States, the United-Kingdom and Japon.