Afrique du Sud Balance Commerciale

South Africa posted a trade surplus of ZAR 34.7 billion in November 2024, up from a revised ZAR 14.1 billion in the prior month. This was the largest trade surplus since March 2022, driven by an increase in exports alongside a steep decline in imports. Exports rose by 1.2% over a month to ZAR 180.9 billion, on higher shipments of vehicles & transport equipment (+22%), base metals (+9%) and mineral products (+9%). Conversely, imports slipped by 11.2% to a near two-year low of ZAR 146.2 billion, amid sharp decreases across all main categories. Purchases fell for vehicles & transport equipment (-21%); original equipment components (-26%); textiles (-22%); base metals (-14%) and mineral products (-12%).