South African manufacturing sentiment eases in May, Absa PMI shows

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa's factory sentiment eased in May as activity and demand slowed, though it remained in expansionary territory for a second consecutive month, a purchasing managers' index (PMI) survey showed on Monday.

• The seasonally adjusted PMI sponsored by South African bank Absa fell to 50.8 from 52.6 in April.

• A reading above 50 indicates expansion in business activity.

• "In April, manufacturers benefitted from demand being brought forward in anticipation of further cost increases, but this effect faded in May," said Absa in a statement.

• It added that both activity and demand softened, while input costs which have been pushed higher by a weaker rand and higher international oil prices continued to pose challenges for manufacturers.

• Production slipped back into contraction, with the business activity index falling to 43.5 from 52.8. New sales orders also retreated to 44.6 from 52.9.

• "Some respondents warned that the recent weakness in demand could persist in the coming months," said Absa.

• An index tracking expected business conditions in six months rose above the 50 threshold to 52.9 from 47.4.

(Reporting by Sfundo Parakozov;Editing by Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo)

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This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 5:07 AM.