The South African rand traded around 16.7 per USD, its lowest since April 7, as traders sought refuge in the greenback amid ongoing Middle East uncertainty and rising oil prices. At the same time, prices of key precious metals such as gold fell, as investors weighed heightened inflation concerns ahead of key central bank decisions. All eyes turn to the US Federal Reserve, expected to hold interest rates steady, with attention focused on signals about the future policy path. South African Governor Lesetja Kganyago recently signaled that the central bank will respond to any persistent inflationary pressures stemming from the Middle East conflict, while reiterating its strong commitment to the 3% target. March inflation stayed close to target, but rising fuel and electricity costs pose an upside risk in the months ahead. Economists remain split on the policy outlook, with some expecting 6.75% through year-end and others pricing in a 25 bps hike in May.

The USD/ZAR exchange rate fell to 16.7774 on April 30, 2026, down 0.20% from the previous session. Over the past month, the South African Rand has strengthened 0.90%, and is up by 9.50% over the last 12 months. Historically, the USDZAR reached an all time high of 19.93 in April of 2025. South African Rand - data, forecasts, historical chart - was last updated on April 30 of 2026.

The USD/ZAR exchange rate fell to 16.7774 on April 30, 2026, down 0.20% from the previous session. Over the past month, the South African Rand has strengthened 0.90%, and is up by 9.50% over the last 12 months. The South African Rand is expected to trade at 16.39 by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. Looking forward, we estimate it to trade at 15.92 in 12 months time.



Crosses Price Day Year Date
USDZAR 16.8018 -0.0092 -0.05% -9.37% Apr/30
EURZAR 19.6354 -0.0173 -0.09% -6.45% Apr/30
GBPZAR 22.6755 0.0224 0.10% -8.49% Apr/30
AUDZAR 12.0224 0.0592 0.49% 1.59% Apr/30
NZDZAR 9.8409 0.0401 0.41% -10.86% Apr/30
ZARJPY 9.3274 -0.2125 -2.23% 21.20% Apr/30
ZARCNY 0.4072 -0.0001 -0.02% 4.15% Apr/30
ZARCHF 0.0468 -0.0002 -0.53% 5.35% Apr/30
ZARCAD 0.0814 0.00002 0.03% 9.70% Apr/30
ZARMXN 1.0434 0.0003 0.03% -1.10% Apr/30
ZARINR 5.6432 -0.0827 -1.44% 22.71% Apr/29
ZARBRL 0.2971 -0.0052 -1.71% -2.12% Apr/29
ZARRUB 4.4641 -0.0830 -1.83% 0.83% Apr/29
ZARKRW 88.5136 -0.5863 -0.66% 14.47% Apr/29
ZARIDR 1,027.2619 -16.4668 -1.58% 13.80% Apr/29
ZARARS 82.6490 -2.3391 -2.75% 31.40% Apr/29
ZARCZK 1.2401 -0.0182 -1.44% 4.87% Apr/29
ZARDKK 0.3804 -0.0056 -1.45% 7.47% Apr/29
ZARHUF 18.6063 -0.1839 -0.98% -2.96% Apr/29
 Currencies
 ZAR...
 ...ZAR



Related Last Previous Unit Reference
United States Inflation Rate 3.30 2.40 percent Mar 2026
South Africa Inflation Rate 3.10 3.00 percent Mar 2026
United States Fed Funds Interest Rate 3.75 3.75 percent Apr 2026
South Africa Interest Rate 6.75 6.75 percent Mar 2026
United States Unemployment Rate 4.30 4.40 percent Mar 2026
South Africa Unemployment Rate 31.40 31.90 percent Dec 2025

South African Rand
The USDZAR spot exchange rate specifies how much one currency, the USD, is currently worth in terms of the other, the ZAR. While the USDZAR spot exchange rate is quoted and exchanged in the same day, the USDZAR forward rate is quoted today but for delivery and payment on a specific future date.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
16.78 16.81 19.93 2.71 1992 - 2026 Daily

News Stream
South African Rand Near 3-Week Lows
The South African rand traded around 16.7 per USD, its lowest since April 7, as traders sought refuge in the greenback amid ongoing Middle East uncertainty and rising oil prices. At the same time, prices of key precious metals such as gold fell, as investors weighed heightened inflation concerns ahead of key central bank decisions. All eyes turn to the US Federal Reserve, expected to hold interest rates steady, with attention focused on signals about the future policy path. South African Governor Lesetja Kganyago recently signaled that the central bank will respond to any persistent inflationary pressures stemming from the Middle East conflict, while reiterating its strong commitment to the 3% target. March inflation stayed close to target, but rising fuel and electricity costs pose an upside risk in the months ahead. Economists remain split on the policy outlook, with some expecting 6.75% through year-end and others pricing in a 25 bps hike in May.
2026-04-28
South African Rand Slightly Firmer
The South African rand traded around 16.5 per USD, up slightly from two-week lows of 16.6 per USD hit on April 23, as the greenback softened amid modestly improved risk sentiment on hopes of a resolution to the Middle East crisis. Iran has reportedly outlined a three-stage framework for resuming talks with the US after stalled discussions in Pakistan, covering the end of the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz, and the nuclear programme. Meanwhile, traders continued to monitor inflation and policy signals, with SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago indicating a higher likelihood of interest rate hikes. He warned the South African Reserve Bank stands ready to act if war-driven inflation proves persistent, while maintaining its strong commitment to the 3% target. South Africa’s inflation edged up to 3.1% in March from 3% in February. The full impact of higher oil prices and global cost pressures has yet to be reflected in consumer data, with sharper increases expected in the coming months.
2026-04-27
South African Rand at Over 2-Week Low
The South African rand traded around 16.6 per USD, the lowest level in over two weeks, as the lack of progress in US-Iran peace talks and lingering disruptions in Hormuz boosted demand for the safe-haven greenback. Although the US has extended the ceasefire with Iran indefinitely pending a final deal, Tehran has not signaled willingness to resume talks amid the continued port blockade. Volatility in oil prices continued, reflecting worries over prolonged supply disruptions and fueling inflation worries. On the monetary policy front, major central banks are taking a wait-and-see approach. South African Governor Lesetja Kganyago recently signaled that the central bank will react to any persistent inflationary pressures from the Middle East conflict, and restated its strong commitment to the 3% target. South Africa's inflation rate edged up to 3.1% in March from 3% in February. Inflation is expected to rise in the coming months as global price pressures feed through into consumer prices.
2026-04-24