South Africa Private Sector PMI Falls to 49.0 in September, Sharpest Contraction Since December

South Africa's private sector contracted in September 2026 at its fastest pace since December, as the S&P Global South Africa Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 49.0 from 50.5 in August. The 50-mark separates growth from contraction. New orders dropped at the sharpest rate in two-and-a-half years, with firms citing weaker demand tied to rising prices, fuel-price uncertainty and domestic and international economic conditions. Export business rose for a fourth straight month, bucking the trend. Supply-chain pressures intensified, with delivery times lengthening the most since February 2024 amid congestion at the Port of Durban, shipping disruption and material shortages. Input cost inflation remained sharp on higher fuel prices, and selling-price inflation hit a three-month high. Employment was little changed. Business expectations improved for a third month to their highest since May, on hopes that easing supply problems and lower fuel prices will support output over the coming year.