South African PMI paints mixed picture in July

Although the South African manufacturing purchasing manager’s index (PMI) slipped to 46.8 in July from 47.3 in June and 50.8 in May, the sub-indices painted a mixed picture. ADVERTISEMENTAdditionally, the purchasing price index came down in July. The April 2026 reading of 52.6 was the first time since September 2025 that the BER PMI rose above the neutral 50-point mark. ADVERTISEMENTThe easing in Middle East tensions resulted in a sharp drop in the purchasing price index. Overall, the South African July PMI painted a mixed picture.