Can South Africa’s $1.1bn trade surplus signal a commodity upswing?

• Exports surged 8.5% in July to $10.1bn, led by citrus and aluminium
• Year-to-date trade deficit narrowed to $5.3bn from $6.1bn a year earlier

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa posted a robust $1.1 billion trade surplus in July 2025, driven by strong exports of minerals and agricultural goods, according to official figures.