Socioeconomica – The Scientific Journal for Theory and Practice of Socio-economic Development 2016, 5(10): 241-262 Page241 Professional Paper DOI : dx.doi.org/10.12803/SJSECO.51007 JEL: H54 THE DEMAND FOR IMPORTS IN SOUTH AFRICA: AN EXPLORATORY REVIEW ∇ Nomfundo Portia Vacu University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa Nicholas Odhiambo University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa Abstract This paper looks at the effects of historical trade policy reforms and other determinants in South Africa over the period 1995-2012. We discovered that over the reported period, the demand for imports in South Africa had been increasing with only a few downturns in between. South Africa’s merchandise imports are dominated by manufactured imports; and they accounted for more than half of the total merchandise imports over the reported period. One of the key contributors towards the improved performance of imports in South Africa is the trade liberalization policy. Keywords: South Africa, Imports, trade policy reforms 1. Introduction South Africa’s transition into a democratic dispensation has so far yielded positive results, and this is evident in the country’s improved economic performance and its progress in re- integrating its activities into the global economic realm. The country’s economy has become more open, more productive, and more outward-oriented (Flatters and Stern, 2007). Its economic growth measured by real gross domestic product (real GDP) per capita increased from R27.9 billion in ∇ Contact: n.vacu@yahoo.com. The authors declare that they have no relevant or material financial interests that relate to the research described in this paper. Also, the authors declare that the submitted paper is their original work and that, upon publication, nothing contained in it will not constitute an infringement of any copyright. Paper received 17.07.2016. Approved 22.09.2016. This paper is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derives 3.0. License. This paper is published with Open Access at www.socioeconomica.info.