South Africa recorded a trade surplus of ZAR 19.8 billion ($1.19 billion) in September 2026, marking its largest trade balance gap since March. The expansion reflects accelerating external trade performance.
Data released Friday by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) showed that the trade surplus widened from an upwardly revised ZAR 19.0 billion figure in August. Month-on-month metrics indicates steady trade resilience.
Total export revenues grew 5.1% month-on-month to reach ZAR 190.6 billion in September. Strong international demand across key primary commodities and manufactured shipments helped push overall outbound shipments higher.
Meanwhile, merchandise imports rose at a slower pace, totaling ZAR 170.8 billion during the month. The trade metrics include commerce with neighboring Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Namibia (BELN) nations.
The September expansion continues a robust trajectory for Africa’s most industrialized economy. The trade balance previously logged surpluses of ZAR 20.1 billion in July and ZAR 17.2 billion in June.
Year-to-date trade flows remain well ahead of prior-year performance. Elevated export volumes continue supporting current account stability despite persistent domestic logistics constraints and ongoing global demand volatility.
