South Africa recorded a deficit of R7.112-billion for its trade with non-Southern African Customs Union trading partners in September after the R5.123-billion deficit in August, according to Customs & Excise figures released on Friday.

These numbers follow from the large R14.3-billion deficit in July.

A R4.5-billion deficit was expected, a survey by I-Net Bridge had found. Forecasts varied from a R3.0-billion deficit to a R5.8-billion rand deficit.

Economists react to the trade figures:

Neville Pretorius, T-Sec:

"It's more then we thought, but the important one will be next month (October), because it will be interesting to see what the weakness in the rand has done for the trade figures."

Chris Hart, Investment Solutions:

"It's disappointing. Given that we've had lower oil prices and the weakening currency, one would have thought it would narrow under the circumstances. The impact of the falling platinum price should also be taken into consideration."

Fanie Joubert, Efficient Group:

"The figure is large, larger than we had expected. It's a big worry that the figure is so high. It will continue to put pressure on the current account deficit.

"At this stage, with the rand under so much pressure, it's not good news. It could put more pressure on the rand."