South Africa posted a trade surplus of ZAR 20.1 billion in July 2026, the largest since March and up from a downwardly revised ZAR 17.2 billion in June. Exports edged up 0.8% month-on-month to ZAR 194 billion. Stronger shipments of machinery & electronics (18%), mineral products (14%), vegetable products (12%) and vehicles & transport equipment (8%) were partly offset by a sharp 21% decline in precious metals & stones.
By destination, exports increased to Africa (8.6%), Europe (8.7%) and Oceania (6.6%), but declined to the Americas (-9%) and Asia (-2.3%).
Imports slipped 0.8% to ZAR 173.8 billion, mainly due to a 32% drop in purchases of mineral products. This was partially counterbalanced by substantial increases in imports of vehicles & transport equipment (28%), chemical products (14%), original equipment components (14%) and base metals (10%).
