South Africa recorded a trade surplus of ZAR 20.1 billion in July 2026, the largest since March,up from a downwardly revised ZAR 17.2 billion in the previous month. Exports rose by 0.8% month-over-month to ZAR 194 billion, as higher shipments of machinery & electronics (18%); mineral products (14%); vegetable products (12%) and vehicles & transport equipment (8%) were partly offset by a 21% decline in precious metals & stones. Meanwhile, imports fell by 0.8% to ZAR 173.8 billion, on reduced purchases of mineral products (-32%). Conversely, imports increased significantly for vehicles & transport equipment (28%); chemical products (14%); original equipment components (14%) and base metals (10%).