Stats SA’s publication schedule was quieter in April, with 20 statistical releases published in the month. The latest economic figures cover the month of February.

On the upside

Most indicators were positive year-on-year. Mining; construction (buildings completed as reported by large municipalities); retail trade sales; motor trade sales; tourist accommodation; restaurants, catering & fast-food; and rail transport (both freight and passenger) recorded a positive February (see Figure 1 below).

South African mining output expanded by 9,7% year-on-year. Platinum group metals led the increase, growing by 52,3% and contributing 9,4 percentage points to overall growth. Nickel, chromium ore, manganese ore, diamonds and gold were also positive. However, there was a decline in the production of coal, iron ore and copper.

Retail trade sales remained upbeat, growing by 1,6% year-on-year in February. Five of the seven retail groups were stronger, with the miscellaneous category, all ‘other’ retailers, the most significant positive contributor. This category – which includes online stores and retailers specialising in jewellery, stationery and sports goods – grew by 9,4%, contributing 1 percentage point to the overall growth. The textiles & clothing category was the second largest positive contributor, rising by 3,9% and contributing 0,6 of a percentage point.

Not all was positive on the retail front, however. General dealers and retailers specialising in food & beverages recorded a decline. Food & beverages registered the largest decrease, shrinking by 5,0%.

Motor trade sales continued its positive year-on-year run, rising by 5,5%. New vehicle sales drove most of the upward momentum, expanding by 17,4%; the 12^th consecutive month of growth since March 2025. Used vehicle sales and sales of accessories were also positive. Fuel sales, convenience store sales and workshop income declined over the period.

On the downside

Manufacturing, electricity generation, wholesale trade sales and road transport (both freight and passenger) were negative in February.

Manufacturing activity cooled by 2,8% year-on-year. Seven of the ten manufacturing divisions were weaker, with food & beverages; wood, paper, publishing & printing; and metals & machinery the largest drags on overall growth. Three divisions were positive, including glass & non-metallic mineral products; electrical machinery; and petroleum, chemical products, rubber & plastic products.

Electricity generation declined by 4,0%. On the provincial front, the volume of electricity delivered to provinces receded by 4,2%, with seven of the nine provinces registering a decline. Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal recorded increases.

What to look forward to in May

In addition to the monthly electricity release, Stats SA will publish a detailed statistical report on the electricity, gas & water supply industry in May. The report, which will be published here on 7 May, will provide an overview of income, expenditure, employment and production.

The impact of April’s fuel price increases on inflation will be revealed in the next Consumer Price Index (CPI) statistical release, to be published on 20 May. Watch this space for the update.

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