South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R21.8 billion in September 2025. This surplus was attributable to exports of R186.4 billion and imports of R164.6 billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN). The year-to-date (01 January to 30 September 2025) preliminary trade balance surplus of R121.5 billion was lower than the R134.0 billion trade balance surplus for the comparable period in 2024. On a year-on-year basis, export flows for September 2025 (R186.4 billion) were 9.1% higher compared to R170.9 billion recorded in September 2024. Import flows were higher by 4.2%, having increased from R158.0 billion in September 2024 to R164.6 billion in the current period.
On a month-on-month basis, exports increased by R16.1 billion (9.4%) from R170.3 billion to R186.4 billion between August and September 2025, whilst imports decreased by R3.3 billion (-2.0%) from R167.9 billion to R164.6 billion over the same period. Export flows increased in September 2025, driven by Gold, Platinum Group Metals (PGMs), and Vehicles (Passengers). Import flows decreased on the back of lower importation of Original Equipment Components, Automatic Data Processing Machines, and Crude Oil. Due to ongoing Vouchers of Correction (VOCs), the preliminary trade balance surplus of R4.0 billion announced for August 2025 was revised downwards by R1.6 billion, with the final number at R2.4 billion.