The S&P Global South Africa PMI fell to 49.0 in September 2026 from 50.5 in August, signalling a renewed contraction in private sector activity and the weakest performance so far this year. The downturn was driven by a sharp decline in new orders, which fell at the fastest pace in two-and-a-half years amid uncertainty over economic conditions and higher fuel prices. Weaker demand also prompted firms to cut purchasing and inventories, while employment remained broadly stable. Higher fuel costs pushed input prices up sharply, although softer wage growth eased overall cost inflation. Output prices rose at the fastest pace since June as firms passed on higher costs. Supply chain pressures intensified, with supplier delivery times lengthening at the fastest rate since February 2024, partly due to delays at the Port of Durban and Middle East disruptions. Looking ahead, business expectations improved to a four-month high, supported by optimism over demand and expansion plans. source: S&P Global

Composite PMI in South Africa decreased to 49 points in September from 50.50 points in August of 2026. Composite PMI in South Africa averaged 49.48 points from 2013 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 53.70 points in April of 2021 and a record low of 32.50 points in May of 2020. This page provides - South Africa Composite Pmi- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Composite PMI in South Africa decreased to 49 points in September from 50.50 points in August of 2026. Composite PMI in South Africa is expected to be 50.00 points by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the South Africa S&P Global PMI is projected to trend around 51.60 points in 2027 and 51.20 points in 2028, according to our econometric models.



Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Bankruptcies 227.00 239.00 Companies Aug 2026
Business Confidence 38.00 39.00 points Sep 2026
Capacity Utilization 77.00 76.00 percent Jun 2026
Car Registrations 44291.00 41216.00 Units Sep 2026
Changes in Inventories 8848.00 -17673.00 ZAR Million Jun 2026
SACCI Business Confidence 134.30 135.10 points Sep 2026
Composite Leading Indicator 100.18 100.22 points Sep 2026
Corruption Index 41.00 41.00 Points Dec 2025
Corruption Rank 81.00 82.00 Dec 2025
Electricity Production 18816.00 19416.00 Gigawatt-hour Aug 2026
Gold Production YoY -5.70 -7.30 percent Aug 2026
Manufacturing Production YoY -4.30 1.10 percent Aug 2026
Manufacturing Production MoM -3.10 2.20 percent Aug 2026
Leading Business Cycle Indicator MoM -0.90 -1.00 percent Jul 2026
Mining Production YoY -12.70 -7.00 percent Aug 2026
Total New Vehicle Sales 61650.00 57760.00 Units Sep 2026


South Africa S&P Global PMI
In South Africa, the IHS Markit South Africa Purchasing Managers Index tracks business trends across private sector activity, including mining, manufacturing, services, construction and retail based on data collected from a representative panel of around 400 companies. The index tracks variables such as new orders, output, employment, supplier delivery times, inventories and prices. A reading above 50 indicates expansion in business activity and below 50 indicates that it is generally declining. This is only a limited sample of PMI headline data displayed on the Customer’s service, under licence from S&P Global. Full historic PMI headline data and all other PMI sub-index data and histories are available on subscription from S&P Global. Contact economics@spglobal.com for more details.

News Stream
South Africa Private Sector Contracts in September
The S&P Global South Africa PMI fell to 49.0 in September 2026 from 50.5 in August, signalling a renewed contraction in private sector activity and the weakest performance so far this year. The downturn was driven by a sharp decline in new orders, which fell at the fastest pace in two-and-a-half years amid uncertainty over economic conditions and higher fuel prices. Weaker demand also prompted firms to cut purchasing and inventories, while employment remained broadly stable. Higher fuel costs pushed input prices up sharply, although softer wage growth eased overall cost inflation. Output prices rose at the fastest pace since June as firms passed on higher costs. Supply chain pressures intensified, with supplier delivery times lengthening at the fastest rate since February 2024, partly due to delays at the Port of Durban and Middle East disruptions. Looking ahead, business expectations improved to a four-month high, supported by optimism over demand and expansion plans.
2026-10-05
South Africa Private Sector Rises Slightly Faster
The S&P Global South Africa PMI edged up to 50.5 in August 2026 from 50.3 in the prior month, signalling a slight improvement in the private sector’s health. The upturn was supported by a return to growth in new orders, which increased for the first time in four months, albeit marginally, as customer finances improved. Meanwhile, export sales rose only marginally and hit a three-month low, as economic challenges and domestic political uncertainty continued to weigh on demand. The pickup in new business supported higher output and purchasing activity, but persistent cost pressures prompted another decline in employment, the first in seven months. On the price front, input cost inflation accelerated in August, although it remained well below its May peak. Output prices also increased solidly, with the rise slightly stronger than July’s five-month low but still below the historical trend. Looking ahead, South African firms showed greater confidence in future activity levels.
2026-09-03
South Africa Private Sector Expands in July
The S&P Global South Africa PMI edged down to 50.3 in July 2026 from 50.5 in June, signaling a further, albeit slower, marginal improvement in private sector business conditions. Business activity returned to growth for the first time in three months, supported by easing inflationary pressures and improved operational efficiency. However, new orders contracted for a third consecutive month as weak consumer demand, political protests, and competition from cheaper imports continued to weigh on sales, although export demand rose for a second straight month. Meanwhile, input cost inflation slowed to a four-month low and fell below its long-run average, helped by lower fuel prices and softer wage growth, while output price inflation eased to its weakest pace in five months. Employment growth also slowed to a six-month low, with firms reducing hiring amid subdued demand and persistent supply chain disruptions. Business confidence improved from June's near five-year low.
2026-08-05