SA Trade Surplus Hits R21.8 Billion

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SARS has released some much welcome news on South Africa’s preliminary trade stats recording a trade surplus of R21.8 billion for September 2025. That’s thanks to R186.4 billion in exports and R164.6 billion in imports.

What’s Driving the Numbers?

• Exports jumped by R16.1 billion from August, with strong showings from:

  • Gold

  • Platinum Group Metals (PGMs)

  • Passenger vehicles.

• Imports dropped slightly, mainly due to fewer imports of:

  • Original equipment components

  • Computers and tech

  • Crude oil.

Year-on-Year View

• Exports are up 9.1% from September 2024

• Imports are up Up 4.2%

• The year-to-date surplus is R121.5 billion, slightly lower than last year’s R134 billion.

Trade with the Region

Trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Namibia (BELN) shows a R10.9 billion surplus in September. Outside of BELN, trade with the rest of the world posted a surplus of R10.8 billion.

Why It Matters

For accountants in commerce and trade:

• Exporters might be seeing improved demand and pricing, especially in metals and vehicles.

• Businesses importing goods like components or oil may benefit from cost drops.

For accountants in practice:

• Clients in manufacturing, mining, or auto sectors could be impacted. It is now time for proactive tax and cash flow planning.

Full stats are available on the SARS Trade Statistics webisite.