Morocco nearly matched South Africa in Africa’s vehicle import market in 2025

  • South Africa led with $8.52 billion, only $140 million ahead of Morocco.
  • Morocco’s imports have grown steadily, while South Africa’s 2025 figure was a recovery toward its 2012 peak.
  • Egypt ranked third, followed by Algeria and Nigeria.
  • The top 10 markets accounted for 67.1% of Africa’s $56.48 billion total.
  • Road vehicle imports include vehicles, parts, motorcycles, trailers, and semi-trailers.

South Africa led Africa’s road vehicle imports in 2025 at $8.52 billion, with Morocco close behind at $8.38 billion, a gap of just $140 million.

But the near-tie reflects two different trajectories. Morocco’s road vehicle imports have grown steadily over the long term, while South Africa’s have been more volatile. South Africa previously reached $8.9 billion in 2012, fell to $4.2 billion in 2020, and its 2025 figure represents a recovery toward that earlier peak rather than a new high.

Egypt followed at $5.93 billion, Algeria at $3.28 billion, and Nigeria ranked fifth with $3.07 billion. Altogether, the top 10 countries accounted for 67.1% of Africa’s $56.48 billion road vehicle import bill in 2025.

This is not only a ranking of car imports. The category includes passenger vehicles, goods vehicles, vehicle parts, motorcycles, trailers, and semi-trailers, making it a useful view of where Africa’s vehicle demand, logistics needs, and parts supply chains are most concentrated.

Source:

UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Period:

2025
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