In last week’s issue you we reminded of the release of the South African October trade statistics. Summary The R3.2 billion deficit for October 2010 was due to a decrease in exports of 6.3% and an increase in imports of 7.0%. Exports for October 2010 of R49.8 billion and imports of R53.0 billion resulted in a deficit of R3.2 billion. Exports decreased by R3.3 billion (6.3%) and imports increased by R3.5 billion (7.0%). The cumulative deficit for the year to date is R13.2 billion compared to R26.7 billion in 2009, an improvement of R13.5 billion or 50.7%. Trade Highlights by Category • The September to October change (down by -6.3%) in exports of goods reflected increases mainly in: o Vehicles, aircraft and vessels increased by R2 521 million (89%); o A decrease in Products of the chemical or allied industries by R 491 million (-18%); o A decrease in Base metals and articles thereof by R 534 million (-6%); o A decrease in Precious and semi-precious stones and metals by R1 098 million (-7%) and o A decrease in Mineral products by R2 961 million (-25%). • The September to October change (up by 7.0%) in imports of goods reflected increases mainly in: o Machinery and electrical appliances increased by R1 677 million (14%); o Vehicles, aircraft and vessels increased by R1 256 million (32%); o Products of the chemical or allied industries increased by R 409 million (8%); o Original equipment components increased by R 168 million (5%) and o A decrease in Mineral products by R 478 million (-5%).