SA’s private sector activity sinks

South African private sector activity declined to its lowest in almost two years in March, as the economy lost output and shed jobs at a record pace.

Johannesburg - South African private sector activity declined to its lowest in almost two years in March, as Africa’s most advanced economy lost output and shed jobs at a record pace, a survey showed yesterday.

The Standard Bank purchasing managers’ index (PMI), compiled by Markit, fell to 47 points in March from 49.1 points in February, its lowest since July 2014.

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The survey provides an early indication of operating conditions, with readings below 50 points signalling reduced economic activity. Output by private sector companies declined in March for the 11th consecutive month.

Companies cited a slump in global commodity prices, a recent drought and poor market conditions as constraints on both output and new orders. New orders fell for the fourth consecutive month, while jobs were lost at the fastest rate in the survey’s history.

“Both supply- and demand-side PMI indicators imply continued weakness in South Africa’s economy,” Kuvasha Naidoo, an economist at Standard Bank, said.

“Destocking continued for a ninth consecutive month in March, and this trend is likely to be exacerbated by the acceleration in the contraction in new orders,” Naidoo said.

South Africa’s economy grew just 1.3 percent in 2015. The central bank sees growth at 0.8 percent in 2016, with analysts saying the risk of recession remained high, particularly with pressure to avoid credit downgrades mounting.

REUTERS