Johannesburg - Trade statistics for July showed a trade
deficit of R3.9bn compared to a surplus of R4.9bn in June, the SA Revenue
Service (Sars) said on Wednesday.
July's deficit was due to an export drop of 6.7% and
an increase in imports of 8.5%, Sars said in a statement.
Exports in July amounted to R56.5bn and imports to R60.4bn.
"The reduction in the trade surplus from R4.9bn in June
2011 to a deficit of R3.9bn in July 2011 was mainly due to lower precious metal
exports and increased imports of crude oil, vehicles, aircraft, machinery and
electrical appliances," Sars said.
The cumulative trade deficit for the year to date is R6.4bn compared to R7.5bn in July 2010, an improvement of R1.1bn or 14.5%.