South Africa's trade surplus rose to ZAR 20.5 billion in August 2026, the largest since March, from a downwardly revised ZAR 18 billion in the prior month. Imports fell 7.8% to a five-month low of ZAR 161.3 billion, amid broad-based declines across the five key import categories. Lower purchases were seen for original equipment components (-20%); chemical products (-16%); vehicles & transport equipments (-8%); machinery & electronics (-5%) and mineral products (-4%). Meanwhile, exports dropped by 5.8% to ZAR 182 billion, reflecting reduced shipments of vegetable products (-9%); mineral products (-9%); precious metals and stones (-9%) and machinery & electronics (-3%).