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South Africa’s manufacturing sector remained under pressure in July 2026, with the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) edging down to 46.8 from 47.3 in June. The latest reading, updated on 3 August 2026, signals a deeper move into contraction territory, as PMI levels below 50 indicate a decline in overall manufacturing activity.
The July downturn suggests that conditions for South African manufacturers continued to deteriorate month-on-month, albeit at a modest pace. The slip from June’s level points to ongoing headwinds for output, new orders and factory sentiment through mid-2026, keeping the sector on a weaker footing as the third quarter begins.
