South Africa recorded a deficit of R9.995-billion for its trade with non-Southern African Customs Union trading partners in April after the R5.030-billion deficit in March, according to Customs & Excise figures released on Friday.

A R5.7-billion deficit was expected, a survey by I-Net Bridge had found. Forecasts varied from a R4.5-billion deficit to a R6.5-billion deficit.

Economists react to the April trade data:

Mike Schussler, T-Sec:

"The deficit is much bigger than we would have expected. It will certainly put pressure on the rand. South Africans continue to live above their means, and at some stage this is going to crack the rand totally."

George Glynos, ETM:

"It is a disappointing figure, but not entirely surprising. Oil imports were a big culprit and infrastructural building reflected in the increase of machinery and equipment. And then on the export side you see the effects of a weaker gold and platinum price and the recovery in the rand.

"The rand has acted negatively to the number, but it should be short- lived."

Carmen Altenkirch, Nedbank:

"It's a lot higher than expected. The main reason for a high import bill is mineral products and electrical equipment products. Going forward, as long as the oil price remains high we expect the deficit to remain high, but there's some good news. With the good harvest we expect food imports to slow down, and slowing consumer demand should weaken imports for vehicle parts."

I-Net Bridge