Two different questions
The country of export is where the goods were shipped from. The country of origin is where they were produced or sufficiently processed under the applicable rules. Goods bought from a South African supplier may have been manufactured elsewhere.
Why this affects duty
Preferential treatment under a trade arrangement depends on qualifying origin and the supporting proof of origin — not on the place of purchase. Purchase or shipment from South Africa does not by itself establish qualifying origin.
What to ask your supplier
Ask where the goods were manufactured and whether the supplier can provide origin documentation. Raising this before purchase avoids surprises at the assessment stage.
Origin is a documented fact, not an assumption.
This article is general guidance, not legal or customs advice for a specific shipment. Duty rates, tariff codes and regulatory requirements change — confirm current requirements for your goods with CGS.