What does the latest trade data show?

Economists are constantly trying to gauge the health of the economy, and at the moment specifically the recovery of the economy. GDP growth figures are only calculated quarterly and are available with a lag. Meanwhile, we are looking at other monthly data or even higher frequency indicators. Last week, export and import unit value index data were released. This represents the trends in export and import values, weighted by volumes. I often say that the South African economy needs to import inputs when it grows, and strong demand from abroad for our exports is good for the growth of the economy. But what do the latest figures show?