South Africa Records R17.8 Billion Trade Surplus in June 2026

4 Aug

Written By Eszter Rapanos, Quality Assurance, Public Sector and Publication Manager, Chartered Institute for Business Accountants (CIBA)

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The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has issued a Media Release released its preliminary trade statistics for June 2026, showing that South Africa recorded a trade surplus of R17.8 billion for the month. The latest figures show that exports increased during June 2026 while imports declined from the previous month, resulting in a stronger trade balance. Readers can access the full SARS media release and detailed trade statistics for additional information.

Strong Trade Performance in June

South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R17.8 billion in June 2026. Exports totalled R193.6 billion, while imports amounted to R175.8 billion, including trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).

The country's year-to-date preliminary trade surplus for the first six months of 2026 reached R109.1 billion, significantly higher than the R81.5 billion recorded during the corresponding period in 2025. Compared with June 2025, exports increased by 13.5%, while imports grew by 18.1%. On a month-on-month basis, exports rose by 4.3%, while imports declined by 2.9%, contributing to the improved trade balance.

Key Drivers of Trade

According to SARS, the increase in exports during June was mainly driven by higher exports of:

Citrus fruit
Iron ores and concentrates
Motor vehicles

The decline in imports was largely due to reduced imports of:

Petroleum oils (excluding crude)
Crude oil
Aeroplanes

SARS also confirmed that, following ongoing adjustments, the previously announced R1.8 billion trade deficit for May 2026 has been revised to a final surplus of R4.4 billion.

What This Means

A sustained trade surplus is generally a positive indicator for the South African economy, reflecting that the value of goods exported exceeded the value of goods imported during the period. While monthly trade figures can fluctuate due to global demand, commodity prices and exchange rate movements, the improved year-to-date surplus indicates that South Africa's exports continued to outpace imports during the first half of 2026. Future trade performance will continue to depend on global demand, commodity prices and exchange rate movements

Read more on the SARS Trade Statistics website.