SA records biggest trade deficit in 10 months
The October figure of R5.5bn was slightly higher than expectations, with a surge in vehicle equipment imports and a decline in agricultural exports
SA recorded a trade deficit of R5.5bn in October — the largest in 10 months. October’s deficit was attributable to exports of R122.32bn and imports of R127.87, data from the SA Revenue Service (Sars) showed on Friday. In particular, imports of vehicle equipment surged, while exports of agricultural products declined. The Bloomberg consensus was for a deficit of R5bn. September’s surplus was revised up to R3.83bn from R2.95bn. The trade balance has registered a deficit in October for seven out of the past eight years. The balance of trade is an indicator of the difference in value between the country’s imports and exports and dictates SA’s current account, which is indicative of SA’s trade with the rest of the world. The figures are notoriously difficult to predict and analysts stress that it is important to look at trends. The year-to-date (January 1 to October 31 2018) trade deficit, of R8.82bn, is a huge deterioration on the surplus for the comparable period in 2017, of R48.94bn. ...
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.