Afrique du Sud Balance Commerciale

South Africa's trade surplus shrank to ZAR 15.6 billion in October 2025 from an upwardly revised ZAR 22.3 billion in the prior month. Imports jumped by 7.2% over a month to ZAR 176.6 billion, on account of mineral products (+15%), namely crude oil; precious metals & stones (+29%); original equipment components (+18%); base metals (+18%) and vehicles transport equipment (+8%). Imports increased from Africa (+20%) and Asia (+12.4%), but fell from Europe (-3.5%) and the Americas (-1.2%). Meanwhile, exports rose at a slower 2.8% to ZAR 192.2 billion, mainly boosted by shipments of precious metals & stones (+21%), of which gold, diamonds, and unwrought aluminium; and base metals (+21%). Conversely, exports declined sharply for vegetable products (-35%). Overseas sales went up to Africa (+8.3%), but decreased to all other destinations including the Americas (-7.9%), Asia (-2.6%), Europe (-4.1%) and Oceania (-10.2%).