R4 Billion Trade Surplus Recorded in August 2025
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South Africa posted a R4 billion trade surplus in August 2025, with exports reaching R171.3 billion and imports at R167.4 billion. While the year-to-date surplus (Jan–Aug 2025) stood at R101.8 billion, it's a drop from R121.4 billion recorded in the same period last year.
Key Trends
Year-on-Year Comparison: Exports grew by 2.2%, while imports increased by 4.7% compared to August 2024.
Month-on-Month Movement:
Exports fell by R12.4 billion (-6.8%) from July 2025, largely due to lower shipments of gold, unwrought aluminium, and diamonds.
Imports rose by R3.2 billion (1.9%) over the same period driven by original equipment components, data processing machines, and aircraft.
Main Conclusions
South Africa Remains in Surplus, but Margins Are Narrowing
The country maintained a trade surplus, but the reduced year-to-date figure (compared to 2024) suggests slowing export momentum or rising import pressures.Exports Softened, Imports Grew
The decline in exports combined with rising imports narrowed the monthly surplus and may signal weaker external demand or commodity price drops.Africa Trade Provides Stability
Strong trade surpluses with BELN and the rest of Africa help support the national trade balance, even as trade with global partners showed a deficit.Deficit in Global Trade
Excluding BELN countries, South Africa recorded a R7.6 billion deficit, highlighting pressure from international trade dynamics.Revisions to Previous Data Are Routine but Notable
The July 2025 surplus was revised down slightly, showing the importance of ongoing data verification in trade reporting.
Revision Note
The previously reported July 2025 surplus of R20.3 billion was revised down to R19.6 billion due to Vouchers of Correction.
For full trade data, visit SARS: Trade Statistics Portal
