Trade statistics for January, released by the South African Revenue Services (Sars) on February 29, show a preliminary trade deficit of R9.4-billion, an improvement from the R24.4-billion trade deficit recorded for the comparable period in 2023. The trade balance is attributable to exports of R144.3-billion and imports of R153.7-billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho and Namibia.