Analysts said this data largely predates the sharp fuel price increases linked to escalated tensions in the Middle East, which are likely to dampen sentiment and weigh on consumer activity going forward.
South Africa’s retail sector showed modest resilience in March, but economists have warned that rising fuel prices and growing global uncertainty linked to tensions in the Middle East could weigh heavily on consumer spending in the months ahead.
According to Statistics South Africa, retail trade sales increased by 2.6% year-on-year in March 2026, up from revised growth of 1.6% in February. However, retail sales volumes for the first quarter of the year remained flat, suggesting limited support for overall economic growth.
Raquel Floris, deputy director for distributive trade statistics at Stats SA, said six of the seven retail categories recorded positive annual growth.
“With general dealers and the miscellaneous category, and all other retailers being the most significant contributors,” Floris said.
