ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: APRIL 2025
, ECS3703
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: April 2025
International Finance
Question 1
(a) The South African Balance of Payments (BoP)
The Balance of Payments (BoP) is a systematic record of all economic transactions
between South Africa and the rest of the world over a specific period, usually a quarter
or a year. It includes trade in goods and services, income flows, and financial transfers.
The BoP is divided into three main accounts:
1. Current Account:
This account records transactions in goods, services, income, and current
transfers.
o Trade balance: South Africa is a major exporter of commodities such as
gold, platinum, and coal. The value of exports versus imports determines
whether the trade balance is in surplus or deficit.
o Services and income: Includes earnings from tourism, transport services,
investment income, and compensation of employees.
o Current transfers: These include remittances and donations between
residents and non-residents.
2. Capital Account:
This section is relatively small for South Africa and records capital transfers and
the acquisition/disposal of non-produced, non-financial assets (e.g. patents or
trademarks).