South Africa’s gross domestic product shrank by -0.2% in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the previous quarter, according to Stats SA on Tuesday, 8.
Streak of growth ends
The contraction in economic output ended a run of 6 consecutive quarters of expansion.
Mining output fell by -3% during the second quarter of 2026, which dragged down overall GDP performance by -0.1 percentage points.
Sector declines hit output
The trade sector recorded a growth rate of -1.9% in the second quarter of 2026, contributing -0.2 percentage points to South Africa’s GDP performance.
Manufacturing activity also weakened over the three-month period, as the industry’s growth rate reached -1.8% and contributed -0.2 percentage points to the aggregate output change.
Source: Stats SA
