South Africa Private Sector Growth Picks Up in April

2026-05-06 07:19 By Kyrie Dichosa 1 min. read

The S&P Global South Africa PMI rose to 51.6 in April 2026 from 50.8 in March, marking the strongest expansion since August 2022.

Output growth accelerated to an 11-month high, supported by a rebound in sales and the fastest increase in new orders in over one-and-a-half years, partly driven by precautionary stock building amid concerns over the Middle East conflict.

Employment growth also strengthened, reaching its highest level since September 2022.

However, supply chain disruptions linked to the conflict led to a further deterioration in supplier delivery times, with lead times lengthening to the greatest extent in over one-and-a-half years.

On prices, input cost inflation surged to a 30-month high, driven by rising fuel prices and higher supplier charges, prompting firms to raise output prices at the fastest pace since August 2024.

Firms remained cautious about the outlook, noting that recent gains may be temporary amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and elevated cost pressures.



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South Africa Private Sector Growth Picks Up in April
The S&P Global South Africa PMI rose to 51.6 in April 2026 from 50.8 in March, marking the strongest expansion since August 2022. Output growth accelerated to an 11-month high, supported by a rebound in sales and the fastest increase in new orders in over one-and-a-half years, partly driven by precautionary stock building amid concerns over the Middle East conflict. Employment growth also strengthened, reaching its highest level since September 2022. However, supply chain disruptions linked to the conflict led to a further deterioration in supplier delivery times, with lead times lengthening to the greatest extent in over one-and-a-half years. On prices, input cost inflation surged to a 30-month high, driven by rising fuel prices and higher supplier charges, prompting firms to raise output prices at the fastest pace since August 2024. Firms remained cautious about the outlook, noting that recent gains may be temporary amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and elevated cost pressures.
2026-05-06
South Africa Private Sector Expands in March
The S&P Global South Africa PMI rose to 50.8 in March 2026 from 50 in February, signaling the first upturn in business conditions for six months. Output increased at the quickest rate in six months, accompanied by stronger job creation and a first rise in input inventories since last November. However, signs emerged that heightened economic uncertainty and supply chain disruptions linked to the war in the Middle East had begun to weigh. New orders fell for a second month, accelerating as export sales dropped at the fastest rate in over two years. Delivery times lengthened to a 16-month high due to sea freight disruptions via the Strait of Hormuz. On the price front, input price inflation surged amid rising fuel costs, a stronger US dollar, and minimum wage changes, leading to the biggest increase in output charges in more than a year. Expectations for future activity weakened further, reaching their lowest level since July 2021.
2026-04-07
South Africa Private Sector Remains Stagnant
The S&P Global South Africa PMI was unchanged at 50 in February 2026, signaling stable private-sector business conditions for a second consecutive month after weakness in late 2025. Output was broadly unchanged, supported by firms clearing backlogs, while new orders declined slightly. The continued fall in outstanding work pointed to a weaker pipeline and a cautious near-term outlook. Employment rebounded with a modest rise in staffing, though inventories declined again amid restrained purchasing. Supplier delivery times worsened slightly but delays were less severe than earlier in the year. Input cost pressures remained subdued thanks to a stronger rand and lower fuel prices, even as wage inflation hit a seven-month high. Softer overall cost burdens enabled firms to lower selling prices for the first time since May 2025. Business confidence eased to its lowest level since July 2021, despite expectations that easing inflation and potential rate cuts could support growth.
2026-03-04