South Africa's manufacturing activity slumps again in November as cost pressures rise

SOUTH Africa' private sector recorded another month of deteriorating business conditions in November, with the S&P Global South Africa Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) slipping to 49.0, signalling a second consecutive monthly contraction.

- SIPHELELE DLUDLA

ACCORDING TO the S&P survey data collected between November 12–26, firms continued to grapple with reduced output and a shortage of new business, particularly in domestic markets.

(SIMPHIWE MBOKAZI Independent Newspapers)

Although slightly better than October’s reading of 48.8, the second consecutive month of decline highlights a subdued end to 2025 for the economy.

The S&P PMI corresponds with the seasonally adjusted Absa PMI released earlier this week, which showed that sentiment plunged by 7.2 points to 42, its weakest reading in several months and well below the 50-point mark that separates expansion from contraction.

According to the S&P survey data collected between November 12-26, firms continued to grapple with reduced output and a shortage of new business, particularly in domestic markets.

Activity levels dropped at the fastest rate in eight months, with companies citing persistently challenging economic conditions and too few new projects to replace completed work.