A weaker currency combined with the continued expansion of the world economy could support South African manufacturers to become more competitive on the international market.

That's a good number. It shows that manufacturing is recovering and it bodes well for the economy that the sector is recording decent rates of growth despite the strong currency.

Of this projected deficit, 21 billion rand originates from the poor performance of the trade account.

The steady increase in the international liquidity position indicates that the Bank is not just buying foreign exchange as quickly as it can, but also that at the same time it continues to be mindful of its responsibility not to upset the markets in their quest to accumulate foreign exchange.