The latest set of monthly economic data is mainly positive, with several indicators strengthening on a year-on-year basis in May. Consumer spending was stronger, with retail trade, motor trade, tourist accommodation and restaurants, catering & fast-food extending their gains. On the downside, wholesale trade, road freight transport and road passenger transport recorded a weaker month   read more »

After holding steady at 2,8% in April and May, consumer inflation edged higher to 3,0% in June. The month-on-month change in the consumer price index (CPI) was 0,3%. Food inflation accelerates further The annual rate for food & non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) reached a 15-month high of 5,1% in June. Meat – particularly beef – continues   read more »

June was a busy month for Stats SA’s publication schedule, with 28 releases published in the month. Lacklustre economic growth in the first quarter June began with the release of the latest gross domestic product (GDP) estimates, for the first quarter (January–March) of 2025. GDP expanded by a muted 0,1%, with agriculture leading the increase.   read more »

Consumer price inflation was 2,8% in May, unchanged from 2,8% in April. The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0,2% between April and May. Food & non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) is the only category that contributed to the monthly increase in the CPI. The monthly change in food & NAB was 1,1%, following a 1,3% rise   read more »

Headline consumer price index (CPI) inflation for April was 2,8%, slightly higher than March’s 2,7%. The change in the CPI between March and April was 0,3%. Beef prices rise sharply in April Inflation for food & non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) rose to 4,0%, the highest annual rate since September 2024 (4,6%). The monthly change for the   read more »

There is more to the consumer price index (CPI) than the headline figure. Stats SA publishes the CPI every month on the second-last Wednesday at 10:00. One of the datasets published with the statistical release allows users to create custom indices and inflation rates. The CPI basket: A profile of household spending The inflation basket of   read more »

Headline consumer inflation decreased for the first time in five months, edging lower to 2,7% in March from 3,2% in February. The decline was mainly due to lower fuel prices and softer tuition inflation. Fuel and education help ease inflationary pressure The fuel index softened by 0,4% from February, taking the annual rate from -3,6%   read more »

Annual consumer price inflation was 3,2% in February, unchanged from January. This marks the fourth consecutive month that inflation has remained above the four-and-a-half-year low of 2,8% in October. The monthly change in the consumer price index (CPI) was 0,9% in February. Recreation, sport & culture; food & non-alcoholic beverages (NAB); alcoholic beverages & tobacco;   read more »

Consumer inflation was 3,2% in January 2025, up slightly from 3,0% in December 2024. The January consumer price index (CPI) is the first to incorporate the changes to the CPI basket and weights announced last month.1 Food inflation slightly softer in January The CPI for food & non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) increased by 2,3% in the 12 months to   read more »

Stats SA has shaken up the basket of goods and services used to measure consumer inflation. The products in the basket are updated periodically to better reflect shifts and trends in consumer spending. Product weights are also adjusted. The reshaped basket The facelift includes adding 71 new products, removing 53 products and reorganising 29 products   read more »