SA manufacturing activity increased sharply in February, marking renewed expansion in the sector. The sector performed at its strongest since early 2023 — but at just above the 50-neutral mark, the outcome suggests demand for manufactured goods remains weak amid numerous supply-side constraints.

Absa’s purchasing managers’ index (PMI), compiled by the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) in partnership with Absa Bank, rose to 51.7 in February following an extraordinarily steep drop to 43.6 in January...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.