South Africa Current Account Balance
Current account balance as % of GDP BN.CAB.XOKA.GD.ZS
South Africa's current account balance was -0.90% in 2025, ranked 76th globally. This represents a 39.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
South Africa's current account balance stood at -0.90% in 2025, a decline of +0.26% from 2024. The IMF projects -0.90% by 2025. South Africa ranked 76th globally.
South Africa's current account balance has exhibited considerable fluctuations over the past 66 years. At its peak in 1987, the balance reached 5.29, a period marked by a relatively strong economy and favorable global trade conditions. Conversely, the all-time trough in 1971 saw a deficit of -6.36, a reflection of the country's struggles during the apartheid era. The current account balance has declined significantly in recent years, with the latest available figure showing a deficit of -0.90, ranking 76th globally. This is comparable to peer countries such as Micronesia, which also reported a deficit of -0.89. The decline in South Africa's current account balance suggests a deteriorating trade position, which may be attributed to various factors including a decline in commodity prices and increased imports. A significant improvement in the trade balance could be achieved through diversification of the economy and implementation of policies aimed at reducing trade deficits.
Data & projection
| Year | Current Account Balance | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | -1.94% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | -1.93% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | -1.77% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | -1.57% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | -1.21% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | -0.90% | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.90% | −0.26% | #76 |
| 2024 | -0.64% | +0.44% | #106 |
| 2023 | -1.10% | −0.78% | #96 |
| 2022 | -0.30% | −4.03% | #125 |
| 2021 | 3.77% | +1.80% | #152 |
| 2020 | 2.00% | +4.61% | #142 |
| 2019 | -2.62% | +0.31% | #87 |
| 2018 | -3.00% | −0.63% | #88 |
| 2017 | -2.37% | +0.30% | #92 |
| 2016 | -2.63% | +1.71% | #102 |
| 2015 | -4.31% | +0.50% | #76 |
| 2014 | -4.81% | +0.51% | #73 |
| 2013 | -5.34% | −0.65% | #70 |
| 2012 | -4.68% | −2.68% | #81 |
| 2011 | -2.02% | −0.68% | #114 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw current account balance improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's current account balance was -0.90% in 2025. Ranked 76th globally. This represents a 39.7% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's current account balance peaked at 5.29% in 1987.
The lowest current account balance in South Africa was -6.36% in 1971.
South Africa ranks 76th globally in current account balance as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is BN.CAB.XOKA.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's current account balance is projected to reach -0.90% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The current account balance of South Africa in 2025 was -0.90%. This ranks 76th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_current-account,
title = {South Africa Current Account Balance},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/current-account/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}