SA's trade deficit narrows sharply

Johannesburg - South Africa's trade account recorded a R0.4bn deficit in February compared with a R4.9bn shortfall in January, the South African Revenue Service (Sars) said on Thursday.

Exports went up by 16.7% month-on-month in February while imports rose by 5.8%.

Increases were recorded in imports of mineral products, machinery and electrical appliances.

Economists surveyed by Reuters expected the trade account to register a R0.5bn deficit in February.