SARS Releases The Preliminary Trade Statistics For February 2026

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1 April 2026 – South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R36.9 billion in February 2026. This surplus was attributable to exports of R168.1 billion and imports of R131.2 billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).

The year-to-date (01 January to 28 February 2026) preliminary trade balance surplus of R45.4 billion was higher than the R3.3 billion trade balance surplus for the comparable period in 2025. On a year-on-year basis, export flows for February 2026 (R168.1 billion) were 3.0% higher compared to R163.3 billion recorded in February 2025. Import flows were lower by 8.4%, having decreased from R143.1 billion in February 2025 to R131.2 billion in the current period.

On a month-on-month basis, exports increased by R12.8 billion (8.2%) from R155.3 billion to R168.1 billion between January and February 2026, whilst imports decreased by R15.7 billion (-10.7%) from R146.8 billion to R131.2 billion over the same period.

Export flows increased in February 2026, driven by vehicles (passenger), vehicles (goods), and electrical energy. Import flows decreased on the back of lower importation of vehicles (passenger and goods), and petroleum oils (excluding crude). Due to ongoing Vouchers of Correction (VOCs), the preliminary trade balance surplus of R9.3 billion announced for January 2026 was revised downwards by R0.8 billion, with the final number at R8.5 billion.

Excluding trade data with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN)
South Africa’s trade with the rest of the world (excl. BELN) for February 2026 indicates a preliminary trade balance surplus of R27.3 billion.

Summary

The R27.3 billion preliminary trade balance surplus for February 2026 was as a result of exports of R152.6 billion and imports of R125.3 billion. Exports increased by R10.6 billion (7.5%) between January 2026 and February 2026 whilst imports decreased by R16.0 billion (-11.3%) over the same period.

The preliminary cumulative trade balance for 2026 was a surplus of R28.0 billion, compared to R17.7 billion trade balance deficit for the corresponding period in 2025. Source: SARS. Download Stats Report