Media release – Trade statistics for December 2023

South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R14.1 billion in December 2023. This surplus was attributable to exports of R164.0 billion and imports of R149.9 billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).

The year-to-date (01 January to 31 December 2023) preliminary trade balance surplus of R61.0 billion was a deterioration from the R192.0 billion trade balance surplus for the comparable period in 2022. On a year-on-year basis, export flows for December 2023 were 0.9% higher compared to R162.4 billion recorded in December 2022, whilst import flows were 5.0% lower, having decreased from R157.8 billion in December 2022 to R149.9 billion in the current period.

To learn more, read the Media release here.