Manufacturing activity in South Africa has moved back into expansionary territory . The Absa Purchasing Managers Index edged above the neutral 50-point mark to 52.6 in April.
The seasonally adjusted rebound marks the sectors first return to growth since last September and is an improvement from the 49 points recorded in March. The uptick was largely driven by stronger business activity and a sharp recovery in new sales orders.
Absa says some of this strength likely reflects firms bringing forward orders in anticipation of price increases linked to the Middle East conflict.
