SA’s trade surplus increased to R9.5bn in May 2017, with exports growing 5.8% and imports 10.9% compared to the corresponding period in 2016, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) said on Friday. On a year-on-year basis, the R9.50bn surplus for May 2017 is a deterioration from the R13.1bn recorded in May 2016. It was, however, an increase on April’s R4.97bn surplus, revised from R5.08bn. The May surplus was a result of exports of R105.02bn and imports of R95.5bn, SARS said. The trade figures — which represent a fourth consecutive monthly surplus — are expected to have little effect on markets. A consensus forecast by Bloomberg had expected a surplus of R9.3bn, while analysts said on Friday that market focus remained on global factors as well as the ongoing ANC national policy conference. The year-to-date trade balance surplus of R19.52bn is an improvement on the deficit for the comparable period in 2016 of R13.29bn.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.