The S&P Global Manufacturing PMI for South Africa edged higher in May 2025, reaching a level of 50.8, according to the most recent data updated on June 4, 2025. This marks a modest improvement from the previous month's reading of 50.0 in April, suggesting a marginal expansion in the manufacturing sector.
The PMI—an index of manufacturing performance—crossing the neutral 50-point threshold indicates a positive shift, albeit a tepid one, as it reflects growth rather than contraction. This new figure hints at a stabilization in manufacturing activities following a flat reading in April, where the sector had shown no movement.
Economic analysts will likely view this improvement as an encouraging sign of resilience in South Africa's manufacturing landscape amidst global economic uncertainties. However, the slight increase also indicates that the sector is not out of the woods yet and ongoing monitoring will be essential to determine if this momentum can be sustained or further bolstered in the months ahead.
