South Africa’s producer price inflation (PPI) picked up in March 2026, rising 1.1% month-over-month after being flat in February, according to data updated on 30 April 2026. The move marks a clear shift from February’s 0.0% reading, indicating renewed price momentum at the factory gate.
On a month-over-month basis, the “actual” March figure compares the price change in March to February, while the “previous” February figure reflects the change from January to February. The return to positive growth in March suggests that producer prices are once again exerting upward pressure in the supply chain after a brief pause in February.
The firming in PPI can influence cost structures for South African businesses and may eventually filter through to consumer prices, with investors and policymakers likely to watch subsequent months’ data closely for signs of sustained pricing pressure.
