# The S&P Global South Africa Purchasing Managers’ Index rose to 50.8 in May from 50 in April, indicating growth for the first time since November last year. A PMI reading above 50 indicates growth, while below 50 points to a contraction. The index showed a marginal improvement in the private sector’s health, with companies reporting increases in output, new orders and inventories. Despite the positive domestic outlook, export orders continued to decline, although at a slower pace than in April, partly due to US tariffs impacting foreign trade.
Purchasing Managers’ Index shows South Africa’s business activity growth hits four-year high