South Africa’s trade deficit widened in April to R15.02 billion, after more imports were recorded this month compared to March, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) said on Friday.
SARS attributed the deficit to exports of R65.43 billion and imports of R80.45 billion.
“Exports increased from March to April by R1.93 billion (3.0%) and imports increased from to March to April by R8.69 billion (12.1%).
“The increase in the trade deficit was due to increases in imports of mineral products, plastics and rubber, base metals, machinery and electrical appliances and original equipment components.
“The cumulative deficit for 2013 is R57.01 billion compared to R36.62 billion in 2012,” SARS said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za
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