The current account shows an improved external position in a volatile global environment

SOUTH AFRICA - Report 16 Mar 2026 by Iraj Abedian

Data released by the South African Reserve Bank indicates that the South African current account balance recorded a surplus for the first time since Q3-2023, as it switched from a deficit of R72 billion in the third quarter of 2025 to a surplus of R50.2 billion in the fourth quarter. As a ratio of GDP, the current account thus switched from a deficit of 0.9% in the third quarter to a surplus of 0.6% in the fourth quarter of 2025. On an annual basis, the current account balance narrowed to a deficit of R35.2 billion in 2025 from a deficit of R48 billion in 2024, translating to 0.5% from 0.7% as a ratio of GDP.

Now read on...

Register to sample a report

Register
Must have at least 8 characters
Sign-in
Forgot your password?
Copyright 2026 GlobalSource Partners. All rights reserved. This report is prepared for GlobalSource Partners’ clients and may not be redistributed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, retransmitted or disclosed, in whole or in part, or in any form or manner, without the express written consent of GlobalSource Partners. This report is distributed simultaneously to our website and other portals used by GlobalSource Partners. The information herein was obtained from various sources and is believed to be reliable but GlobalSource Partners does not warrant its completeness or accuracy. Neither GlobalSource Partners nor any Country Analyst, officer or employee accepts any liability whatsoever for any direct, indirect or consequential damages or losses rising from any use of this report or its contents.