Eita, Joel HinaunyeJordaan, Andre Cillie2008-05-272008-05-272007-11Eita, JH & Jordaan, AC 2007, 'South Africa exports of metal and articles of base metal: a gravity model approach', Studies in Economics and Econometrics, vol. 31, no. 3, pp. 81-96.http://hdl.handle.net/2263/5585Using a gravity model, this study estimates trade potential of the metals and articles of base metal sector (SIC 72-83) for the period 1995 to 2004 between South Africa and 33 countries. The analysis shows that importer's GDP, exporter's GDP, exporter's population, membership of SADC and being part of Africa are associated with an increase in exports of metal products. Distance is associated with a decrease in metal exports. Importer's population does not have a significant impact on exports of metal and articles of base metal products. The study finds that that among others, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Mozambique, Republic of Korea, United Kingdom and Zimbabwe, have the biggest unexploited trade potential. It is important for trade analysts and policy makers to ensure that South Africa’s trade potential is fully exploited to enhance economic growth.11637 bytesapplication/pdfenBureau for Economic Research and the Graduate School of Business, University of StellenboschGravity modelEstimation procedureUnivariate characteristics of variablesSouth African trade potentialImporter's populationEconomic growthMetal trade -- South AfricaExports -- South AfricaArticle