Factory gate inflation climbs to highest level since start of lockdown

The prices of goods leaving SA's farms and factories increased by 2.5% year-on-year in September, the highest rate since the start of SA's strict lockdown in late March.

Stats SA published its annual producer price inflation for September on Thursday.

The annual 2.5% increase for September is the highest rate since March this year, when the index rose by 3.3%. Factory gate inflation then slumped during SA's stringent lockdown, before picking up steam again in July and August.  

The main contributors to the PPI for September were food products, beverages and tobacco products, which increased by 4.3% y/y.  Transport equipment increased by 9.2% y/y.