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South Africa Business Confidence

South Africa's business confidence declined by 2.5% to 39 points in Q3 2025 from 40 points in Q2 2025. This marks the lowest level in four quarters. The decrease is attributed to concerns over US tariffs and trade uncertainties, exacerbated by tariffs imposed in August 2025. Persistent local logistical constraints and disruptions in the automotive sector also negatively impacted business sentiment. South Africa's record low business confidence was 5 points in Q2 2020 and record high was 50 points in Q2 2021.

Quarterly Historical Data (2015-2025)

(in points)
Quarter Business Confidence (points)
Q3 2025 39
Q2 2025 40
Q1 2025 45
Q4 2024 45
Q3 2024 38
Q2 2024 35
Q1 2024 30
Q4 2023 31
Q3 2023 33
Q2 2023 27
Q1 2023 36
Q4 2022 38
Q3 2022 39
Q2 2022 42
Q1 2022 46
Q4 2021 43
Q3 2021 43
Q2 2021 50
Q1 2021 35
Q4 2020 40
Q3 2020 24
Q2 2020 5
Q1 2020 18
Q4 2019 26
Q3 2019 21
Q2 2019 28
Q1 2019 28
Q4 2018 31
Q3 2018 34
Q2 2018 40
Q1 2018 44
Q4 2017 33
Q3 2017 32
Q2 2017 27
Q1 2017 37
Q4 2016 39
Q3 2016 40
Q2 2016 32
Q1 2016 35
Q4 2015 36

Recent Events

datetime event actual previous consensus
2025-09-03 06:30 AM Business Confidence (Q3) 39 40 -

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South Africa Business Confidence : Definition
South Africa business confidence measures the optimism level among local businesses regarding economic conditions. It is calculated using survey responses on factors like new orders, production, employment and inventories. Higher index values typically indicate greater confidence while lower values suggest pessimism about the economic outlook. Berries Research Unit compiles this indicator.