Figure 1 provides a snapshot of the most recent data. Mining<\/a>, electricity generation<\/a>, buildings completed<\/a> (as reported by large municipalities), wholesale trade sales<\/a> and road freight transport<\/a> declined year-on-year. Manufacturing<\/a>; retail trade sales<\/a>; motor trade sales<\/a>; tourist accommodation<\/a>; restaurants, catering & fast food<\/a>; rail freight transport<\/a>; and rail and road passenger transport<\/a> were positive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mining activity<\/a> contracted by 7,5%, with platinum group metals, coal and iron ore the most significant negative contributors. Diamonds, nickel, gold and copper were also weaker. Chromium and manganese ore production ticked up, but it was not enough to offset the broader weakness across the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the upside, manufacturing<\/a> began the third quarter of 2026 on a positive note. Activity rose by 1,1% year-on-year, with six of the ten manufacturing divisions recording positive growth. Food & beverages, and petroleum, chemical products, rubber & plastic products drove most of the upward momentum. Despite the overall increase, four divisions performed poorly. Wood, paper, printing & publishing recorded its 13th consecutive year-on-year decline, shrinking by 7,3%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Manufacturing output also rose month\u2010on\u2010month, with seasonally adjusted production up 2,2% in July. This is the sharpest month-on-month increase since May 2025, when production expanded by 2,2%. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Retail trade sales<\/a> continued its upward trajectory, rising by 3,4% year-on-year. Six of the seven retail groups recorded a positive July, with general dealers the largest positive contributor. Hardware, paint & glass was the only retail group to decline, retreating by 1,1% year-on-year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seasonally adjusted retail trade sales grew by 2,5% month-on-month. This is the largest month-on-month increase since December 2023, when sales grew by 3,0%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consumer inflation ticks higher in August<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The headline rate for the consumer price index (CPI)<\/a> was 4,4% in August, slightly up from 4,3% in July. Food & non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) inflation rose for the first time in nine months, accelerating to 1,1% from 0,9%. Annual fuel inflation eased for a second consecutive month, dipping to 20,0% from 20,6%. Diesel prices rose by 3,1% in August compared with July. Petrol prices, meanwhile, fell by 2,0%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In contrast to the CPI, factory-gate inflation was lower in August, with headline producer price inflation<\/a> declining to 5,0% from 5,7% in July.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other notable releases in September<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Three quarterly statistical releases covering the formal business sector were also published, providing insight into employment<\/a>, finances<\/a> and capital expenditure<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stats SA also released annual financial data for provincial government<\/a>, providing a snapshot of its spending priorities. Stats SA also released updated quarterly financial data for the largest municipalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Interested to know 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":" The end of the quarter is typically a busy time for Stats SA, with several quarterly outputs published alongside the regular monthly indicators. The national statistical agency released 28 publications, with many providing economic data for July. The latest economic indicators Figure 1 provides a snapshot of the most recent data. Mining, electricity generation, buildings completed read more »<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.statssa.gov.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Figure_01-1024x840.jpg\")
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