South Africa Factory Activity Contracts Faster in December

South Africa’s seasonally adjusted Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell to 50.8 in May 2026 from 52.6 in the prior month, pointing to a second consecutive month of expansion, albeit significantly below April’s robust increase. The slowdown reflected fading demand brought forward in April, weaker new orders, and higher input costs driven by a softer rand and rising oil prices. Production moved back into contraction, with the index falling to 43.5 from 52.8. New sales orders also declined, slipping to 44.6 from 52.9. The index tracking expected business conditions in six months rose to 52.9 from 47.4 in the prior month.

South Africa’s seasonally adjusted Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 52.6 in April 2026 from 49 in March, signaling a renewed expansion in factory activity for the first time since last September. Activity grew at its fastest pace since October 2024, driven by a rebound in output and new orders amid stronger domestic demand, while exports declined. "Some respondents indicated that orders may have been brought forward in anticipation of further cost increases, potentially resulting in weaker demand in the months ahead,” Absa noted. Meanwhile, input costs picked up amid a weaker rand and higher international oil prices linked to the Middle East war. “Elevated input costs are likely to squeeze profit margins and could limit the sustainability of the recent improvement in activity,” the bank said, adding that they may also add to inflationary pressures. Lastly, the sub-index tracking expected business conditions edged up but stayed below 50, underscoring subdued confidence.

South Africa’s seasonally adjusted Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 49 in March 2026 from 47.4 in February, but the reading still pointed to the sixth consecutive month of contraction in the country’s manufacturing sector. "The PMI results overall suggest South Africa's manufacturing sector has not yet experienced a significant slowdown due to the US-Israel war against Iran, but price pressures have intensified sharply", Absa said. New orders remained weak, reflecting subdued demand, while slower supplier deliveries pointed to ongoing supply chain and logistical challenges. Meanwhile, input costs were pushed higher by a weaker rand and higher international oil prices. Lastly, the sub-index tracking expected business conditions posted its steepest drop ever, reflecting worries about the impact of the Iran conflict on costs and demand.