The South African trade condition was positive in June, a national business organization said on Thursday.

"The trade condition came off a high in April 2013 of 61 to 56 in May 2013 and consolidated at 55 in June 2013," economist Neren Rau of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) reported in a survey.

The report was made against the backdrop of the South African trade characterized by the volatile currency rand performing badly compared with other currencies.

The economy was burdened also by fuel and electricity price hikes which affected most industries.

"A positive trend in the trade condition can be observed since October 2012 though it is characterized by volatility," Rau added.

South Africa is recovering from effects of the global economic crisis of 2008, which has cost South Africa 1 million jobs.

The SACCI also reported that the six-month employment index moved up from 51 in May 2013 to 54 in June 2013, expecting more jobs to be created this year.

The respondents expressed optimism in the economic improvement in the next six months, according to the SACCI. Endi

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