Trade surplus at R1.72bn
South Africa recorded a trade surplus of R1.72 billion for February, the SA Revenue Service said on Monday.
"The R1.72bn surplus for February 2014 can be attributed to exports of R83.93bn and imports of R82.21bn," it said in a statement.
The figures included trade with Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and Swaziland (BLNS).
"Exports increased from January to February by R6.14 bn (7.9 percent) and imports decreased from January to February by R12.51bn (13.2 percent)," it said.
The cumulative deficit for 2014 was R15.21bn compared to R20.25bn in 2013.
The January to February change in exports of goods reflected several increases and one decrease.
Vehicles and transport equipment increased by R2883 million (49.4 percent), and machinery and electronics went up by R1346m (21.2 percent).
Base metals increased by R840m (7.9 percent), and chemical products by R725m (16.6 percent).
Precious metals and stones decreased by R1149m (eight percent).
The January to February change in imports of goods reflected several decreases and one increase.
Machinery and electronics decreased by R6471m (27.0 percent), and mineral products decreased by R3851m (16.6 percent).
Chemical products decreased by R1164m (13.7percent), and vegetable products decreased by R1058m (50 percent). Plastics and rubber
decreased by R698m (18.9 percent).
Vehicle and transport equipment increased by R1029m (13.4 percent).
- Sapa