Slight easing in policy uncertainty, but economic landscape remains challenging

THE North West University Policy Uncertainty Index (PUI) for the second quarter of 2025, released last week, has indicated a slight easing, dropping to 75.9 from a record high of 78.6 in the first quarter of 2025.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

However, this figure still reflected a landscape fraught with economic uncertainty as it remained well below the baseline level of 50.

Professor Raymond Parsons, an economist at the North West University Business School, commented on the index's modest decline, framing it as a response to both internal and external factors impacting South Africa's economy.

Externally, while the global economic outlook continues to be unstable, Parsons said there has been a measure of relief on the trade front, particularly as the US administration has put a hold on most tariff hikes until July 9. This delay hinges on ongoing negotiations that could further influence international trade dynamics.