South Africa’s economy is now back to pre-pandemic levels
South African gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 1.9% in the first quarter of 2022, representing a second consecutive quarter of upward growth.
The size of the economy is now at pre-pandemic levels, with real GDP slightly higher than what it was before the Covid-19 pandemic, Statistics South Africa said on Tuesday (7 June).
However, the release covers the first quarter of the year, which means that the economic impact of the devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal, which occurred during the second quarter in April, will only reflect in the GDP results due for release in September.
The release also largely ignores South Africa’s recent intense round of load shedding – which primarily occurred in March and April.
Manufacturing leads the way
On the production side of the economy, eight of the ten industries recorded positive growth in the first quarter, with manufacturing the key performer. The sharp increase in manufacturing output was mainly driven by a rise in the production of petroleum and chemicals, food and beverages, and metals and machinery, StatsSA said.
“Finance, real estate and business services, as well as trade, also made sizable positive contributions to GDP growth. Trade activity was buoyant in the first quarter, with positive results from wholesale, retail, motor trade, and catering and accommodation.
“After a strong fourth quarter, agriculture growth was more subdued in the first quarter, edging higher by 0,8%. The rise in the first quarter was mainly underpinned by increased horticulture production.”
On the downside, both mining and construction contracted in the first quarter.
“Mining output was lower, mainly due to a pullback in the production of platinum group metals, iron ore and gold. Construction saw its fourth consecutive quarter of contraction, with underwhelming results reported for residential buildings and construction works. Economic activity related to non-residential buildings, however, increased in the first quarter.”
Stats SA also measures the expenditure side of GDP, providing an indication of total demand in the economy. Household consumption, government consumption, gross fixed capital formation, exports and imports all continued to grow in the first quarter.
Imports were boosted by a rise in demand for motor vehicles, parts and accessories; mineral products; and animal and vegetable fats. The economy also recorded a rise in exports, mainly driven by increased trade in motor vehicles, parts and accessories; mineral products; and machinery and equipment.
The automotive sector plays an important role in both export and import markets, as outlined in a recent article that tracks the flow of products through the South African economy.
Read: South Africa has seen a 40% increase in load shedding – and it’s set to get worse