South Africa’s trade surplus widened to ZAR 19.8 billion in September 2026, the largest since March, from an upwardly revised ZAR 19 billion in August. Exports rose by 5.1% month‑on‑month to ZAR 190.6 billion, driven by increased shipments of precious metals and stones (+21%), base metals (+17%), and mineral products (+4%). In contrast, exports of vehicles, transport equipment, and components fell by 10%, while machinery and electronics declined by 8%.
By destination, exports increased to Europe (+9.9%), Asia (+5%), and Africa (+3.6%), but decreased to the Americas (‑11.6%).
Imports climbed 5.2% to ZAR 170.8 billion, as a sharp rise in mineral product imports (+37%) and higher purchases of vehicles and transport equipment (+9%) more than offset declines in prepared foodstuffs (‑14%), original equipment components (‑10%), and machinery and electronics (‑5%). By origin, imports grew strongly from Oceania (+130.7%) and Asia (+17.8%), but fell from Europe (‑18%).
