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South Africa’s factory sentiment slips back into contraction.

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GUEST: Sello Sekele – Economist, ABSA

South Africa’s factory floor is losing rhythm again. The ABSA Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) slipped back below the crucial 50-point mark in October, dropping to 49.2 from 50.8 the previous month signalling renewed contraction in the country’s manufacturing activity.

The data paints a picture of fragile recovery and fading confidence: business activity fell sharply, new sales orders declined, and exports continued their seven-month slide weighed down by US trade tariffs and persistent port bottlenecks.
3 Nov 2025 3PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

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