South Africa records R22 billion trade surplus for June 2025

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has released preliminary trade statistics revealing that the country achieved a trade balance surplus of R22.0 billion for June 2025.

This positive balance is attributed to robust export performance amounting to R170.7 billion, contrasted against imports totalling R148.6 billion, which includes trade activities with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Namibia (BELN).

Despite this surplus, year-to-date figures from January to June 2025 indicate a preliminary trade balance surplus of R80.2 billion—lower than the R92.0 billion recorded for the same period in 2024. On a year-on-year comparison, exports for June 2025 reflected a decline of 2.9%, decreasing from R175.8 billion in June 2024 to R170.7 billion.

Conversely, import flows saw a marginal uptick of 0.6% from R147.7 billion to R148.6 billion during the same period.

In a month-on-month analysis, exports fell by R3.3 billion (-1.9%) from R174.0 billion in May to R170.7 billion in June. Imports also declined, dropping by R5.3 billion (-3.5%) from R153.9 billion to R148.6 billion.

Major contributors to the export decline included Gold, Coal, and Motor Vehicles, while decreases in petroleum oils, crude oil, and telephone sets, including smartphones, significantly influenced the drop in import figures.

Notably, the trade balance surplus reported for May 2025 was revised downwards from R21.7 billion to R20.0 billion, a result of ongoing Vouchers of Correction (VOCs) affecting statistical accuracy.

Breaking down the numbers by world zone

Excluding the BELN trade impact, South Africa's trade with the rest of the world for June 2025 showed a trade surplus of R11.9 billion, driven by exports summing to R154.2 billion against imports of R142.3 billion. In this context, exports saw a decrease of R2.5 billion (-1.6%), while imports similarly fell by R6.1 billion (-4.1%) between May and June 2025.

In terms of trade with the BELN countries, South Africa managed a preliminary trade surplus of R10.1 billion for June 2025, resulting from R16.5 billion in exports and R6.3 billion in imports. This trade segment experienced a slight decrease in exports of R0.8 billion (-4.4%) and an increase in imports of R0.8 billion (13.7%) over the month.

The cumulative trade balance for 2025 now sits at R65.1 billion, marginally higher than the R64.8 billion surplus recorded in the equivalent period of 2024.

As South Africa navigates these economic fluctuations, this latest trade data illustrates both challenges and opportunities within its export and import strategies moving forward. Effective management and adaptation to these changing patterns will be essential for sustaining economic growth and bolstering trade relationships.

IOL Business