South Africa ends 2025 on a firmer trade footing, SARS data shows
The data reflects shifts across several export and import categories, as well as changes in trade patterns with key global regions and neighbouring countries.
SARS has released its preliminary trade statistics for December 2025, indicating that South Africa closed the year with an overall improvement in its trade position compared to 2024. While trade activity slowed slightly towards the end of the year on a month-to-month basis, the cumulative figures point to a stronger annual performance.
The data reflects shifts across several export and import categories, as well as changes in trade patterns with key global regions and neighbouring countries. Revised figures for November were also issued following routine corrections.
Africa InTouch News is pasting the press release verbatim below:
(Under embargo - 2pm Friday, 30 January 2026)
SARS releases the preliminary trade statistics for December 2025
Pretoria, 30 January 2026 – South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R23.2 billion in December 2025. This surplus was attributable to exports of R164.3 billion and imports of R141.1 billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).
The year-to-date (01 January to 31 December 2025) preliminary trade balance surplus of R201.6 billion was higher than the R197.1 billion trade balance surplus for the comparable period in 2024. On a year-on-year basis, export flows for December 2025 (R164.3 billion) were 3.4% higher compared to R158.9 billion recorded in December 2024. Import flows were lower by 2.2%, having decreased from R144.3 billion in December 2024 to R141.1 billion in the current period.
On a month-on-month basis, exports decreased by R23.4 billion (-12.5%) from R187.6 billion to R164.3 billion between November and December 2025, whilst imports decreased by R8.6 billion (-5.8%) from R149.7 billion to R141.1 billion over the same period. Export flows decreased in December 2025, driven by Gold, Vehicles (Passengers), and Vehicles (Goods). Import flows decreased on the back of lower importation of Crude Oil, Automatic Data Processing Machines, and Electric Generating Sets & Rotary Converters.
Due to ongoing Vouchers of Correction (VOCs), the preliminary trade balance surplus of R37.7 billion announced for November 2025 was revised upwards by R0.2 billion, with the final number at R37.9 billion.
Click here for Merchandise Trade Statistics December 2025
