The business confidence index of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) experienced a decline in March 2025, registering at 123.5 compared to February's multi-year high of 125.8. This reduction was primarily attributed to decreased imports, a weakened rand against leading trade and investment currencies, and a drop in share prices on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Nevertheless, positive factors that contributed to an uplift in business sentiment for the short term in March included a rise in tourism, robust export activities, and a decrease in inflation.