South Africa recorded a preliminary trade surplus of R17.8 billion in June as exports increased and imports declined compared with the previous month, according to the latest data by the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Exports rose to R193.6 billion while imports totalled R175.8 billion, including trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).
The June surplus followed an upward revision of May’s preliminary trade deficit of R1.8 billion to a final surplus of R4.4 billion after ongoing vouchers of correction were processed. Year to date, South Africa recorded a preliminary trade surplus of R109.1 billion compared with R81.5 billion over the same period in 2025. Export flows were 13.5% higher year on year while imports increased 18.1%.
Month on month, exports increased by R8 billion (4.3%), driven by higher shipments of citrus fruit, iron ores and concentrates and motor vehicles, while imports declined by R5.3 billion (2.9%) on the back of lower imports of petroleum oils (excluding crude), crude oil and aircraft, SARS said.
Trade data by category shows vehicles and transport equipment recorded the largest month-on-month increase among the major export sectors, rising 16% to R23.9 billion. Vegetable products, including citrus, increased 23% to R15 billion while chemical products and prepared foodstuffs each rose 6%. Precious metals and stones remained South Africa’s largest export category at just over R50 billion.
On the import side, mineral products, including petroleum, fell 15% to R44 billion while imports of vehicles and transport equipment declined 12% and original equipment components decreased 6%. Imports of machinery and electronics increased 6% while chemical products rose 4%.
Excluding trade with BELN countries, South Africa recorded a preliminary trade surplus of R7 billion in June with exports of R177.1 billion and imports of R170.1 billion. Compared with May, exports to Asia increased 8.9% and exports to America rose 20.7% while exports to Europe declined 2.8% and exports to Africa (excluding BELN) fell 2.6%. Imports from Asia increased 19.2% while imports from Europe and America declined 22.9% and 29% respectively.
