JOHANNESBURG, June 9 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.5 percent in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of economic growth, according to data released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Tuesday.
Stats SA said nine industries contributed positively to growth during the quarter, with finance, agriculture, trade and transport among the main drivers. On the expenditure side, stronger household spending, increased government consumption and lower imports also supported economic expansion.
The finance sector contributed 0.2 percentage points to overall growth, while agriculture expanded by 3.9 percent, driven largely by field crops and horticultural products. Growth in the trade sector was supported by stronger activity in wholesale trade, food and beverage sales and accommodation services.
The results showed that the transport sector, together with transport support services, made significant contributions to growth. Mining output also increased, supported by higher production of platinum group metals, gold, chromium ore and diamonds.
Manufacturing was the only sector to contract during the quarter, declining by 0.8 percent and marking its second consecutive quarterly decline.
With tensions in the Middle East driving up global oil prices in April, it remains uncertain how higher fuel costs could weigh on South Africa's economic growth in the second quarter.
Independent analyst Sandile Swana said the 0.5 percent growth rate showed that the economy remained on a positive trajectory.
He said concerns that higher tariffs would weigh on key industries, particularly agriculture and automotive manufacturing, have so far not materialized, partly because South Africa continued to expand exports to markets in Asia and Africa.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the South African government said that the latest results "reflect continued progress and provide further evidence that measures to support economic recovery, investment and growth are contributing positively to the country's economic performance." ■
