Several key indicators were down in the second quarter (April\u2013June), including mining<\/a>, manufacturing<\/a> and electricity generation<\/a> (see Figure 1 below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mining production<\/a> weakened by 2,7%, with platinum group metals the most significant negative contributor. Lower production was also recorded for iron ore, chromium ore, gold, manganese ore and diamonds. Copper, nickel and coal were upbeat, however, with copper recording the highest growth rate at 15,6%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Manufacturing<\/a> experienced its fourth consecutive quarter of decline, shrinking further by 1,5%. Seven of the ten manufacturing divisions performed poorly, with food & beverages the largest drag on growth. Communication & professional equipment; petroleum, chemical products, rubber & plastic products; and textiles & clothing were the bright spots in the second quarter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n South African electricity generation<\/a> recorded its fourth consecutive decline, contracting by 2,5%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Motor trade sales<\/a> decreased by 2,9%, driven lower mainly by a decline in fuel sales. Used vehicle sales, workshop income and sales of accessories also came under pressure. New vehicle sales, however, continued to strengthen, registering its seventh consecutive quarter of growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consumer spending pushed retail trade sales<\/a> higher by 0,4%, lifted by food & beverages; all \u2018other\u2019 retailers; general dealers; and household furniture, appliances & equipment. Household furniture, appliances & equipment continued to shine, enjoying a tenth consecutive quarter of growth. On the downside, hardware, paint & glass registered its third straight decline. Textiles & clothing and pharmaceuticals, medical goods & cosmetics were also weaker in the second quarter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Together with retail trade sales, other indicators that were positive in the second quarter include tourist accommodation<\/a>, road transport (both freight and passenger)<\/a> and rail passenger transport<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inflation lower in July<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Consumer inflation<\/a> declined for the first time in five months, cooling to 4,3% in July from 5,0% in June. Softer inflation for food & non-alcoholic beverages (NAB); smaller municipal tariff increases; and lower fuel prices eased pressure on the headline rate. Food & NAB inflation declined to a 16-year low, dipping to just below the 1% mark. Fuel prices decreased by 7,8% between June and July, the sharpest monthly decline since January 2023, when the fuel index dropped by 10,5%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Annual producer price inflation<\/a> also slowed in July, from 7,5% in June to 5,7%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other notable releases in August<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The latest quarterly manufacturing utilisation of production capacity<\/a> statistical release shows the extent to which large manufacturers are using their available resources (i.e. machinery and labour) to produce goods. In May 2026, manufacturers utilised 76,6% of their available capacity, which translates to an under-utilisation rate of 23,4%. Insufficient demand was the most common reason given for underutilised capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For those interested in government finances, the latest release of financial data for South Africa\u2019s 254 EBAs shows that their total spending amounted to R411,5 billion in 2024\/2025. Economic affairs was the largest expenditure item, accounting for 32,3%. Social protection<\/a> was the second largest, contributing 21,9%. EBAs are public-sector institutions that provide services on behalf of government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the labour front, South Africa\u2019s official unemployment rate<\/a> rose to 33,6% in the second quarter of 2026 from 32,7% in the first quarter. This is the highest reading in four years, when the rate was 33,9% in the second quarter of 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In recognition of Women\u2019s Month<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Stats SA published several articles in August highlighting the vital role that women play in South African society and the economy. According to population census data, the lives of women have improved<\/a> over the decades. In agriculture, the percentage of women-headed households involved in agriculture<\/a> rose between 2011 and 2022. However, despite this progress, gender disparities persist in the labour market as a whole<\/a>, as well as in the formal business sector<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What to look forward to in September<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The next gross domestic product (GDP) estimates will provide a comprehensive picture of economic performance in the second quarter of 2026. The data will be released at 11h00 on 8 September. Keep an eye on this page<\/a> for the data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stats SA publishes several statistical releases on government finances throughout the year. Data for provincial government will be released on 29 September and will be available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Interested in knowing more? Keep up to date with our publication schedule<\/a>. For a comprehensive list of products and releases, download our catalogue<\/a>. For a regular update of indicators and infographics, visit our data story feed<\/a> and download the latest edition of the Stats Biz newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Stats SA published several notable outputs in August. The latest monthly estimates provide a preliminary view of economic performance in the second quarter of 2026. Other key outputs included manufacturing production capacity statistics, updated financial data for extra-budgetary accounts and funds (EBAs), unemployment data, and several articles highlighting trends affecting women in South Africa. Business read more »<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.statssa.gov.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Figure_01-1024x840.jpg\")
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