The Q3 Absa Manufacturing Survey shows that business confidence in the manufacturing sector deteriorated by 4 index points from the previous quarter, declining to a score of 27.

The sector remained under pressure during the third quarter of 2026, as weak domestic demand, deteriorating export activity and persistent economic uncertainty continued to weigh on business performance. It goes on to show that the Domestic sales remained muted for a third consecutive quarter, while export sales declined by a further 6 index points compared to the previous quarter.

For a perspective on this, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Sachin Chanderdhev, Sector Specialist: Manufacturing at Absa Business Banking.

The Q3 Absa Manufacturing Survey shows that business confidence in the manufacturing sector deteriorated by 4 index points from the previous quarter, declining to a score of 27.
The sector remained under pressure during the third quarter of 2026, as weak domestic demand, deteriorating export activity and persistent economic uncertainty continued to weigh on business performance. It goes on to show that the Domestic sales remained muted for a third consecutive quarter, while export sales declined by a further 6 index points compared to the previous quarter.
For a perspective on this, Thami Ngubeni spoke to Sachin Chanderdhev, Sector Specialist: Manufacturing at Absa Business Banking.

In-depth financial issues, profiling of African businesses doing well internationally, stocks & market updates.

In-depth financial issues, profiling of African businesses doing well internationally, stocks &amp; market updates.