According to the South African Revenue Service (Sars), South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R21.7-billion in May, which was attributable to exports of R175.7-billion and imports of R154.1-billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).

From January 1 to May 31, the preliminary trade balance surplus of R60.3-billion was lower than the R63.9-billion trade balance surplus for the comparable period in 2024. On a year-on-year basis, export flows for May of R175.7-billion were 2.7% lower than the R180.6-billion recorded in May last year.

Meanwhile, import flows were lower by 2.5%, having decreased from R158.1-billion in May 2024 to R154.1-billion in May 2025.

Exports increased by R10.5-billion, or 6.3%, month-on-month from R165.3-billion to R175.7-billion between April and May, while imports increased by R1.8-billion, or 1.2%, from R152.3-billion to R154.1-billion over the same period.

Export flows also increased in May, driven by exports of gold, platinum group metals, and citrus fruits. Meanwhile, import flows increased on the back of higher importation of crude oil, artificial corundum, and telephone sets, including smartphones and other telephones.

Owing to ongoing vouchers of correction, the preliminary trade balance surplus of R14.1-billion previously announced by Sars for April was revised downward by R1.1-billion, with the final number coming in at R13-billion.

South Africa’s trade with the rest of the world, excluding BELN, for May indicates a preliminary trade balance surplus of R10-billion.

The R10-billion preliminary trade balance surplus for May was as a result of exports of R158.5-billion and imports of R148.5-billion. Exports increased by R9.7-billion, or 6.5%, between April and May, while imports increased by R1.9-billion, or 1.3%, over the same period.

The preliminary cumulative trade balance for 2025 was a surplus of R5.4-billion, compared with R10.1-billion trade balance surplus for the corresponding period in 2024.

South Africa’s trade with the BELN countries for May 2025 shows a preliminary trade balance surplus of R11.7-billion.

The R11.7-billion BELN preliminary trade balance surplus for May was as a result of exports of R17.2-billion and imports of R5.6-billion. Exports increased by R800-million, or 4.6%, between April and May, while imports decreased by R100-million, down 2.2% over the same period.

The preliminary cumulative trade balance for 2025 was a surplus of R55-billion, compared with a R53.8-billion surplus in 2024.