Mbabane- Eswatini’s merchandise trade deficit widened to E397.69 million in June 2026 after import growth outpaced exports, driven largely by increased purchases of petrol and diesel.
Latest preliminary figures released by the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) show the country exported goods worth E3.40 billion during the month while imports reached E3.80 billion, resulting in a significantly larger deficit than the E258.92 million recorded in June last year.
Although exports increased by 4.24 percent year-on-year, imports grew at a faster rate of 7.87 percent, highlighting continued pressure on the country’s trade balance.
According to ERS, the increase in exports was mainly supported by stronger shipments of chemical products and undenatured ethyl alcohol while the rise in imports was largely attributed to higher purchases of petrol and diesel.
The figures also show that during the first three months of the 2026/27 fiscal year (April to June), Eswatini accumulated a merchandise trade deficit of E813.46 million, widening from E747.44 million during the same period a year earlier.
Despite the growing deficit, export performance remained positive. Cumulative exports rose by 9.16 percent to E10.66 billion, while cumulative imports increased by 9.14 percent to E11.47 billion.
The statistics suggest that while the country’s export sector continues to grow, rising demand for imported fuel and other goods is offsetting these gains, keeping the trade balance in negative territory.
ERS noted that the June figures remain preliminary and may be revised as additional trade information becomes available.
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