/ 30 July 1999

EXPORTS GROW IN JUNE

EXPORTS in the six months to June rose 14% in rand terms to R78,70-billion from R68,99-billion in the same period last year, the South African Revenue Service said on Wednesday. Imports increased to R68,70-billion from R64,83-billion in the first six months of 1998. The trade surplus stands at a healthy R10-billion over the six months. Most exports, R25,80-billion worth, in the first half of the year went to Europe, compared to R20,91-billion for the same time last year. Imports from Europe amounted to R32,96-billion in the first half of this year compared to R30,70-billion in the first six months of 1998.