South Africa Trade Balance
External balance on goods and services NE.RSB.GNFS.CD
South Africa's trade balance was $983.3M in 2025, ranked 66th globally. This represents a 87.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
South Africa's trade balance stood at $983.3M in 2025, a decline of +$6.8B from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach $983.3M by 2025. South Africa ranked 66th globally.
South Africa's trade balance has undergone significant fluctuations over the past six and a half decades, with the most recent data available showing a trade surplus of 983,297,215.41. The country's trade balance peaked in 2021, reaching a surplus of 26,116,878,099.65, a stark contrast to its all-time trough in 2013, where it recorded a deficit of -8,484,620,142.59. In comparison, neighboring Zambia boasted a trade surplus of 1,191,117,048.34, in the same year. South Africa's trade balance trajectory is largely influenced by its commodity-driven economy, particularly its reliance on gold and other precious metals exports. As the global economy continues to evolve, a shift in South Africa's trade dynamics is likely contingent upon diversification of its export base, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing and services, to mitigate the impact of fluctuating commodity prices.
Data & projection
| Year | Trade Balance | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | $-6.4B | - | - |
| 2026* trend | $-2.7B | - | - |
| 2025* trend | $983.3M | - | - |
| 2025 | $983.3M | −$6.8B | #66 |
| 2024 | $7.8B | +$4.6B | #121 |
| 2023 | $3.2B | −$5.5B | #124 |
| 2022 | $8.7B | −$17.4B | #144 |
| 2021 | $26.1B | +$11.3B | #160 |
| 2020 | $14.8B | +$12.9B | #157 |
| 2019 | $2.0B | −$89.8M | #131 |
| 2018 | $2.1B | −$2.3B | #137 |
| 2017 | $4.4B | +$2.9B | #147 |
| 2016 | $1.5B | +$6.0B | #134 |
| 2015 | $-4.5B | +$1.2B | #32 |
| 2014 | $-5.7B | +$2.8B | #25 |
| 2013 | $-8.5B | −$2.8B | #20 |
| 2012 | $-5.7B | −$9.1B | #25 |
| 2011 | $3.5B | −$1.4B | #132 |
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 trade balance improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's trade balance was $983.3M in 2025. Ranked 66th globally. This represents a 87.3% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's trade balance peaked at $26.1B in 2021.
The lowest trade balance in South Africa was $-8.5B in 2013.
South Africa ranks 66th globally in trade balance as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.RSB.GNFS.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's trade balance is projected to reach $983.3M by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
South Africa's trade balance was approximately 983.3 million ($983.3M) in 2025.
The trade balance of South Africa in 2025 was $983.3M. This ranks 66th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_trade-balance,
title = {South Africa Trade Balance},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/trade-balance/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}