The South African Reserve Bank published its latest notice on official reserve assets, showing that gross reserves fell to USD 76.583 billion as at 31 May 2026 from USD 77.089 billion a month earlier. The international liquidity position also declined, to USD 73.467 billion from USD 73.757 billion. Gold reserves decreased by USD 426 million to USD 18.274 billion, Special Drawing Rights holdings fell by USD 16 million to USD 6.648 billion, and foreign exchange reserves edged down by USD 64 million to USD 51.661 billion. Foreign currency deposits received from customers stood at negative USD 3.700 billion, compared with negative USD 3.918 billion at end-April, while the forward position was USD 584 million. The Bank attributed the decreases in gross reserves and the international liquidity position mainly to a lower US dollar gold price and foreign exchange payments made on behalf of government, partly offset by asset price movements.
South African Reserve Bank2026-06-05
South African Reserve Bank reports end May gross reserves of USD 76.6 billion and international liquidity position of USD 73.5 billion
The South African Reserve Bank reported that gross official reserves declined to USD 76.583 billion as at 31 May 2026 from USD 77.089 billion a month earlier, while the international liquidity position fell to USD 73.467 billion from USD 73.757 billion. Gold reserves, Special Drawing Rights and foreign exchange reserves all decreased, with the Bank citing a lower US dollar gold price and foreign exchange payments on behalf of government, partly offset by asset price movements.