Trade

MBABANE – Eswatini recorded a negative trade balance of E41.6 million with its largest trading partner, South Africa, in July 2025.

According to the latest data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), Eswatini exported goods worth E2.56 billion to South Africa while importing goods valued at E2.6 billion during the month under review.

The figures highlight the growing interdependence between the two economies, but also point to a widening trade gap, as imports outpaced exports.

Between July 2024 and July 2025, Eswatini’s exports to South Africa rose by E126 million, a 5.16 per cent increase, climbing from E2.43 billion to E2.56 billion.

The top-performing exports for July 2025 included scented mixtures at E535 million, Raw Sugar at E440 million and prepr binder for foundry at E318 million.

Notably, Eswatini’s sugar exports to South Africa remain a major revenue contributor, averaging around E4.5 billion annually.

This firmly establishes sugar as one of the country’s primary export commodities, underlining its critical role in Eswatini’s trade and economic performance.

While exports grew modestly, imports from South Africa increased at a much faster rate. Data shows that imports surged by E407 million, representing an 18.6 per cent jump from E2.19 billion in July 2024 to E2.6 billion in July 2025.

The main imports during the month were refined petroleum at E298 million, electricity at E217 million and delivery trucks at E80.2 million.

The significant rise in electricity imports alone accounted for a 100 per cent growth compared to the previous year, highlighting the growing energy needs of Eswatini’s industries and households.

A closer look at year-on-year growth figures reveals which commodities drove the increase in trade between the two neighbours.

On the export side, the strongest growth came from non-knit women’s suits, which rose by E38.4 million or 41 per cent, sawn wood with a growth of E33 million or 28.2 per cent, and confectionery sugar, which expanded by E28.7 million or 38.9 per cent.

Full article available in our publication.

The local sugar being packed in one of the country’s sugar millers’ storerooms, ready for markets. (Pic: Courtesy)