Trade statistics for March 2024

(Media Release: Issued and provided by the South African Revenue Service)

South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R7.3 billion in March 2024. This surplus was attributable to exports of R164.1 billion and imports of R156.8 billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).

The year-to-date (01 January to 31 March 2024) preliminary trade balance surplus of R10.8 billion was an improvement from the R5.7 billion trade balance deficit for the comparable period in 2023. On a year-on-year basis, export flows for March 2024 (R164.1 billion) were 15.3% lower compared to R193.7 billion recorded in March 2023, whilst import flows were 15.2% lower having decreased from R184.9 billion in March 2023 to R156.8 billion in the current period.

On a month-to-month basis, exports increased by R2.9 billion (1.8%) from R161.2 billion to R164.1 billion between February and March 2024, whilst imports also increased by R9.0 billion (6.1%) from R147.8 billion to R156.8 billion over the same period.

Export flows increased in March, driven by Gold, Coal, and Chemical Wood Pulp. Imports flows increased on the back of sizable increases in the importation of Petroleum Oils (Excluding Crude), Crude Oil, and Banknotes.

Due to ongoing Vouchers of Correction (VOCs), the preliminary trade balance surplus of R14.0 billion announced for February 2024 was revised downwards by R0.7 billion, with the final number at R13.3 billion.

Read the full press release here.