According to SACCI, all components of physical trade activity, excluding prices, improved in September with a marked increase in sales volumes from 50 in August to 59 in September. This is a return to the high levels recorded in February/March this year.

In September, the delivery index increased to 52 from 44 in August. Stock levels also rose to 52 in anticipation of year-end activity.

The selling prices index increased from 50 in August to 53 in September. However, the input index decreased by three points to 57 in September.

The Trade Expectations Index (TEI) declined marginally in September to 60 from 61 in August as expectations are moderated to align with current conditions.

There was somewhat an easing in the indices of expectations on sales volumes and supplier deliveries.

New orders and inventories strengthened marginally, while inflation expectations eased as both the indices on selling and input prices decreased by two and one index point respectively.

Conditions for employment improved in the trade environment but remained in negative territory with the employment sub-index moving to 45 in September from 43 in August 2010.

The employment prospects index dipped into negative territory in September after being in positive territory at 51 in August.