Export/import growth relies on five products

ALAN PEAT FIVE PRODUCT categories have been responsible for the increases in both imports and exports in March. Main drivers in the gain in imports (up 7.89%) were: mineral products (R2 067-million); precious and semi-precious stones and metals (R357-m); machinery, mechanical appliances and electrical equipment (R1 945-m); and vehicles, aircraft and vessels (R2 150-m). The 13% increase in exports, meantime, came from: mineral products (R1 237-m); products of the chemicals or allied industries (R326-m); precious and semi-precious stones and metals (R742-m); and machinery, mechanical and electrical appliances (R456-m).