South Africa’s merchandise exports increased by 5.1% month on month to R190.6 billion in September, while imports rose 5.2% to R170.8bn, according to preliminary trade statistics released by the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
The movements resulted in a trade surplus of R19.8bn, compared with a revised R19bn in August. The figures include trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia.
Higher exports of platinum group metals, gold and zinc ores and concentrates drove the monthly export increase. Import growth was supported by petroleum oils excluding crude, aeroplanes and automatic data-processing machines, SARS said.
Compared with September 2025, export values increased by 2.2% and imports by 3.6%. The cumulative trade surplus for January to September reached R169bn, compared with R117.5bn in the corresponding period of 2025.
Imports from Asia rose by 17.8% month on month to R95.6bn, while exports to the region increased by 5% to R57.7bn. South Africa’s trade deficit with Asia consequently widened to R37.9bn from R26.2bn in August.
Trade with Europe moved into a R9bn surplus as exports increased by 9.9% to R46bn and imports declined by 18% to R36.9bn.
Exports to African markets rose by 3.6% to R49.5bn, while imports increased by 4.5% to R20bn, leaving a regional trade surplus of R29.6bn.
Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia accounted for R11.1bn of South Africa’s overall September surplus. Exports to the four countries increased by 5.9% month on month to R17.6bn, while imports rose by 3.2% to R6.5bn.
Excluding these countries, South Africa recorded a surplus of R8.7bn, with exports of R173bn and imports of R164.2bn.
Exports to the Americas declined by 11.6% to R15.8bn, while imports rose by 2.3% to R16bn.
The commodity breakdown showed contrasting trends in transport equipment trade. Export values for January to September declined to R197.2bn from R216.2bn in the corresponding period of 2025, while imports increased to R157bn from R134.8bn. The category includes vehicles, railway equipment, aircraft and ships.
Machinery and appliances accounted for R34.7bn, or 20.3%, of September imports. Mineral products contributed R46bn, or 24.2% of export value.
SARS revised August’s previously reported surplus of R20.5bn down by R1.5bn following corrections to trade declarations.
The statistics measure merchandise trade values rather than physical cargo volumes.
