Trade surplus shrinks in October

Exports up 11.9% on a month-on-month basis.

South Africa’s trade surplus narrowed to R3.09 billion in October from a revised R4.53 billion surplus in September, data from the revenue service showed on Friday.

Exports were up 11.9% on a month-on-month basis to R123.4 billion while imports jumped 13.7% to R120.3 billion, the South African Revenue Service said.

Meanwhile, October’s budget deficit widened to R42.34 billion compared with a R32.72 billion shortfall in the corresponding period last year, Treasury data showed on Friday. 

($1 = R14.7075 )