South Africa trade surplus narrows sharply in October

• October trade surplus falls sharply on soaring imports
• Asia-driven demand raises fresh rand and investor risks

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s trade surplus narrowed sharply in October 2025 as imports surged faster than exports, exposing new vulnerabilities in the continent’s most industrialised economy.

The preliminary trade surplus of South Africa fell to $15.6 billion in October from a revised $22.3 billion in September, according to data released by the South African Revenue Service.