Import Tracker - Q4 2022

South Africa’s trade surplus declined to R7.4 billion in the year to the fourth quarter of 2022, from R100.6 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021. For the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic exports declined, falling by 3% to R495 billion year-on-year. Over the same period, imports continued to rise, growing by 19% to R487 billion. In addition, exports have continued to grow at a slower pace compared to imports. Exports for the fourth quarter of 2022 were 6% higher compared to the fourth quarter of 2020. In contrast, imports were 39% higher.