South Africa’s trade account recorded a trade surplus of 2,5 billion rand ($324,1 million) in September compared with a 3,7 billion rand shortfall in August, the South African Revenue Service said on Monday.
“The change in the trade balance ... was mainly due to increased exports of precious and semi-precious stones and mineral products and increased imports of machinery and electrical appliances,” SARS said in a statement.
Exports rose by 11,1% month-on-month to 67,8 billion rand in September while imports edged up by 0,8% to 65,3 billion rand.
Economists surveyed by Reuters expected a trade shortfall of 1,5 billion rand for September but the number is traditionally volatile and difficult to forecast.
SA exports increase
South Africa’s trade account recorded a trade surplus of 2,5 billion rand ($324,1 million) in September compared with a 3,7 billion rand shortfall in August, the South African Revenue Service said on Monday.
“The change in the trade balance ... was mainly due to increased exports of precious and semi-precious stones and mineral products and increased imports of machinery and electrical appliances,” SARS said in a statement.
Exports rose by 11,1% month-on-month to 67,8 billion rand in September while imports edged up by 0,8% to 65,3 billion rand.
Economists surveyed by Reuters expected a trade shortfall of 1,5 billion rand for September but the number is traditionally volatile and difficult to forecast.