Skip to content

South Africa’s manufacturing PMI rises to 49.6 in October

South Africa’s Absa manufacturing PMI reached 49.6 in October 2026, up from a revised 48.7 in September, according to reports published on 2 November. It remains below the 50 threshold separating expansion from contraction.

The improvement therefore does not yet indicate a broad recovery. NewsGhana says September’s initial reading of 50.7 was lowered in the annual revision of seasonal factors.

Orders and activity improved, while purchasing costs rose. Business Day TV also highlights weak employment. These figures describe a survey of manufacturers rather than a measurement of GDP.

Sources 2