Headline consumer inflation increased to 3,5% in July from 3,0% in June. This is the highest rate since September 2024, when it was 3,8%. Prices increased on average by 0,9% between June and July. Household food budgets under pressure Annual inflation for food & non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) continued to rise, accelerating to 5,7% from 5,1% in   read more »

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 »

The South African economy kept its head above water in the first quarter of 2025 (January–March), expanding by a marginal 0,1% compared with the fourth quarter of 2024.1 Four of the ten industries on the production (supply) side of the economy recorded positive gains, with agriculture driving most of the upward momentum. Household spending, stronger   read more »

Stats SA published 23 statistical releases in May, several providing a preliminary overview of economic performance in the first quarter. Other notable outputs in the month include the latest inflation and unemployment figures. Business performance in the quarter The monthly business data conclude the results for the first quarter of the calendar year. Mining, manufacturing, electricity   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 »

After a busy March, Stats SA’s publication schedule was quieter in April. Eighteen releases were published in the month. Business performance a mixed bag Several sectors were weaker in February on a year-on-year basis. These include mining; manufacturing; wholesale trade; motor trade; restaurants, catering & fast-food; road freight; and road passenger transport (Figure 1). Mining production   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 »