From the SA Press Association:
South Africa recorded a trade surplus of R770 million in November 2013, the SA Revenue Service said on Monday. The surplus for November 2013 could be attributed to exports of R86.6 billion and imports of R85.8bn. Exports increased from October to November by R4.3bn (5.3 percent) and imports decreased by R8.3bn (8.8 percent). The cumulative deficit for 2013 was R74.7bn compared to R37.8bn in 2012.
The October to November change in exports of goods reflected increases and a decrease in:
— Vehicles, aircraft and vessels increased by R2.4bn (34 percent);
— Precious and semiprecious stones and metals increased by R938 million (six percent);
— Mineral products increased by R657m (three percent); and
— Vegetable products decreased by R471m (18 percent);
Big improvement in SA trade data. Rising exports feeding sub-Saharan appetite especially notable. Structural story will strengthen in 2014.
— Adrian Saville (@AdrianSaville) December 30, 2013
The October to November change in imports of goods reflected decreases in:
— Mineral products decreased by R3.5bn (17 percent);
— Original equipment components decreased by R1.3bn (26 percent);
— Products of the chemicals or allied industries decreased by R1.2bn (13 percent);
— Base metals and articles thereof decreased by R716m (15 percent); and
— Vehicles, aircraft and vessels decreased by R620m (seven percent).
In trade with Asia, the deficit decreased from R18.6bn in October 2013 to R14bn in November 2013.
Exports increased by R916m to R26.7bn and imports decreased by R3.6bn to R40.8bn.
In trade with Europe, the deficit decreased from R9.6bn to R7.3bn. Exports increased by R757m to R18bn and imports decreased by R1.6bn to R25.3bn.
In trade with America, the deficit decreased from R2.4bn to R793m. Exports increased by R532m to R7.2bn and imports decreased by R1.1bn to R7.9bn.
In trade with Africa, the surplus increased from R12.9bn to R17.3bn. Exports increased by R2.1bn to R27.9bn and imports decreased by R2.2bn to R10.3bn.
In trade with Oceania, the deficit decreased from R345m in October 2013 to R288m in November 2013. Exports increased by R186m to R975m and imports increased by R129m to R1.3bn. – SAPA
