South Africa Reserves in Months of Imports
Total reserves in months of imports FI.RES.TOTL.MO
South Africa's reserves in months of imports was 4.8 in 2025, ranked 60th globally. This represents a 15.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
South Africa's reserves in months of imports stood at 4.8 in 2025, a decline of +0.9 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 4.8 by 2025. South Africa ranked 60th globally.
South Africa's foreign exchange reserves have historically been a topic of interest, with the country's ability to cover imports fluctuating significantly over the past 66 years. At its lowest point in 1996, the reserves covered only 0.75 months of imports, a stark contrast to the 7.12 months covered in 2020, the year of its all-time peak. Despite a recent decline to 4.78 months in 2025, South Africa's reserves remain relatively stable compared to its peers, such as Poland which shares a similar ranking of 4.79 months. The country's ability to maintain a level of reserve adequacy is a testament to its economic resilience, particularly in the face of global economic uncertainties. However, the ongoing trade tensions and shifting global economic landscape may yet challenge South Africa's trajectory, potentially necessitating a reevaluation of its monetary policy and foreign exchange management strategies.
Data & projection
| Year | Reserves in Months of Imports | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 4.2 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 4.5 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 4.8 | - | - |
| 2025 | 4.8 | −0.9 | #60 |
| 2024 | 5.7 | +0.3 | #40 |
| 2023 | 5.3 | +0.4 | #54 |
| 2022 | 4.9 | −0.6 | #59 |
| 2021 | 5.6 | −1.6 | #69 |
| 2020 | 7.1 | +1.7 | #58 |
| 2019 | 5.4 | +0.6 | #55 |
| 2018 | 4.8 | −0.4 | #63 |
| 2017 | 5.2 | −0.2 | #63 |
| 2016 | 5.4 | +0.7 | #59 |
| 2015 | 4.7 | +0.3 | #64 |
| 2014 | 4.4 | +0.1 | #66 |
| 2013 | 4.3 | −0.0 | #75 |
| 2012 | 4.3 | +0.1 | #71 |
| 2011 | 4.2 | −0.3 | #67 |
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 reserves in months of imports improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's reserves in months of imports was 4.8 in 2025. Ranked 60th globally. This represents a 15.7% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's reserves in months of imports peaked at 7.1 in 2020.
The lowest reserves in months of imports in South Africa was 0.7 in 1996.
South Africa ranks 60th globally in reserves in months of imports as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is FI.RES.TOTL.MO. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's reserves in months of imports is projected to reach 4.8 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The reserves in months of imports of South Africa in 2025 was 4.8. This ranks 60th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_reserves-months-imports,
title = {South Africa Reserves in Months of Imports},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/reserves-months-imports/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}