By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) reported a preliminary surplus of 19.8 billion rand (about US$1.19 billion) on Friday 30 October 2026.
This surplus was attributable to exports of R190.6 billion and imports of R170.8 billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).
The year-to-date (01 January to 30 September 2026) preliminary trade balance surplus of R169.0 billion was higher than the R117.5 billion trade balance surplus for the comparable period in 2025.
The year-to-date R169.0 billion trade balance surplus was driven by exports of R1.6 trillion and imports of R1.5 trillion.
On a year-on-year basis, export flows for September 2026 of R190.6 billion were 2.2% higher compared to R186.4 billion recorded in September 2025. Import flows were higher by 3.6%, having increased from R164.9 billion in September 2025 to R170.8 billion in the current period.
On a month-on-month basis, exports increased by R9.3 billion (5.1%) from R181.3 billion in August to R190.6 billion in September 2026, whilst imports increased by R8.4 billion (5.2%) from R162.3 billion to R170.8 billion over the same period.
Export flows increased in September 2026 driven by higher exports of platinum group metals (PGMs); gold; and zinc ores and concentrates. Import flows increased on the back of higher importation of petroleum oils (excluding crude); aeroplanes; and automatic data processing machines.
Due to ongoing Vouchers of Correction (VOCs), the preliminary trade balance surplus of R20.5 billion announced for August 2026 was revised downwards by R1.5 billion, with the final surplus at R19.0 billion.