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4 December 2024 – South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R14.6 billion in October 2024. This surplus was attributable to exports of R179.6 billion and imports of R165.0 billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN). The year-to-date (01 January to 31 October 2024) preliminary trade balance surplus of R145.5 billion was an improvement from the R83.4 billion trade balance surplus for the comparable period in 2023.
Export flows increased in October, driven by Gold, Diamonds, and Dissolving Grades Chemical Wood Pulp. Import flows increased on the back of higher importation of Aeroplanes, Petroleum Oils (Excl. Crude), Automatic Data Processing Machines, and Telephone Sets, Including Smartphones. Source: SARS visit trade stats page: https://www.sars.gov.za/media-release/trade-statistics-for-october-2024/