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Johannesburg - Trade conditions remained positive in July, despite volatility on a month-to-month basis, the SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) said on Tuesday.
Sacci's trade activity index (TAI) remained at June's level of 55.
With seasonal adjustments, the TAI recovered the one point lost from May to June, to measure 57 in July.
"According to the July 2013 survey, respondents are more positive about trade prospects for the next six months than about the current situation," Sacci economist Richard Downing said.
"Both the unadjusted and seasonally-adjusted trade expectations indices measured 63 in July 2013."
Sales volumes and new orders sub-indices increased by three index points in July, from 57 to 60. Sub-indices on supplier deliveries and inventories declined by five and six index points respectively between June and July.
The decline in inventories in July came after a strong build-up in May and June, said Downing.
Sixty-six percent of respondents in July indicated that sales prices increased, compared to 64 percent the previous month.
Rising input costs were experienced by 77% of respondents in July, compared to 71 percent in June.
"Respondents' outlook for sales volumes and new orders were slightly more positive in July than in June 2013.
"The pressure on input and sales prices is expected to remain high, with the sub-indices on price expectations at 78 and 67, respectively."
Downing said employment conditions in the trade sector appeared to be stabilising, with the July level remaining at 50.
The employment prospects index declined to 52 in July, from 54 in June. This also supported a stabilising employment situation, he said.
