Category Archives: Economy Data Stories

GDP growth subdued in the first quarter

GDP growth subdued in the first quarter

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 »


Economic wrap-up for May 2025

Economic wrap-up for May 2025

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 »


Consumer inflation edges higher

Consumer inflation edges higher

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 »


Economic wrap-up for April 2025

Economic wrap-up for April 2025

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 »


Inflation cools on the back of fuel and education

Inflation cools on the back of fuel and education

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 »


Economic wrap-up for March 2025

Economic wrap-up for March 2025

Stats SA had a bumper schedule in March, with 35 releases published on a wide range of topics. Key economic outputs included the latest gross domestic product (GDP) estimates, formal-sector employment, data on electricity generation and a comprehensive set of energy flow accounts. Agriculture, trade and finance push the economy forward After a bumpy third   read more »


MEDIA ADVISORY

MEDIA ADVISORY                                                                                       24 March 2025 The Statistician-General of South Africa, Mr Risenga Maluleke, invites members of the media to the release of the results of the Forestry, logging and related services survey, 2023 as well as the Ocean (marine) fisheries and related services survey, 2023, at a virtual release on Wednesday, 26 March 2025. The   read more »


SEZ Income Rises to R25 Billion in 2024

Media Release – For Immediate Release                                                                    20 March 2025 SEZ Income Rises to R25 Billion in 2024 Gqeberha, 20 March 2025 – The Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) continues to demonstrate strong economic growth, with total income surging to R25,0 billion in 2024, reflecting a significant increase of 32,2% from the R18,9 billion recorded in   read more »


South Africa’s Informal Economy: A Lifeline for Millions

South Africa’s Informal Economy: A Lifeline for Millions

South Africa’s informal sector plays a crucial yet often overlooked role in the country’s economy, providing jobs and incomes for millions who struggle to find opportunities in the formal labour market. According to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), informal sector employment accounted for 19,5% of total   read more »


Consumer inflation holds steady

Consumer inflation holds steady

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 »