South Africa Posts Widest Trade Surplus in 4 Months

2026-08-31 12:17 By Luisa Carvalho 1 min. read

South Africa recorded a trade surplus of ZAR 20.1 billion in July 2026, the largest since March, up from a revised ZAR 17.2 billion in the prior month.

Exports rose by 0.8% month-over-month to ZAR 194 billion, as higher shipments of machinery & electronics (18%); mineral products (14%); vegetable products (12%) and vehicles & transport equipment (8%) were partly offset by a 21% decline in precious metals & stones.

Overseas sales increased for Africa (8.6%), Europe (8.7%) and Oceania (6.6%) but fell to the Americas (-9%) and Asia (-2.3%).

Meanwhile, imports fell by 0.8% to ZAR 173.8 billion, on reduced purchases of mineral products (-32%).

Conversely, imports rose significantly for vehicles & transport equipment (28%); chemical products (14%); original equipment components (14%) and base metals (10%).

By origin, imports from Africa dropped 30.8%, while those from Oceania and Asia fell 9.9% and 1.3%, respectively, contrasting with increases from the Americas (25.4%) and Europe (8.9%).



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South Africa Posts Widest Trade Surplus in 4 Months
South Africa recorded a trade surplus of ZAR 20.1 billion in July 2026, the largest since March, up from a revised ZAR 17.2 billion in the prior month. Exports rose by 0.8% month-over-month to ZAR 194 billion, as higher shipments of machinery & electronics (18%); mineral products (14%); vegetable products (12%) and vehicles & transport equipment (8%) were partly offset by a 21% decline in precious metals & stones. Overseas sales increased for Africa (8.6%), Europe (8.7%) and Oceania (6.6%) but fell to the Americas (-9%) and Asia (-2.3%). Meanwhile, imports fell by 0.8% to ZAR 173.8 billion, on reduced purchases of mineral products (-32%). Conversely, imports rose significantly for vehicles & transport equipment (28%); chemical products (14%); original equipment components (14%) and base metals (10%). By origin, imports from Africa dropped 30.8%, while those from Oceania and Asia fell 9.9% and 1.3%, respectively, contrasting with increases from the Americas (25.4%) and Europe (8.9%).
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