Consumer goods sector:
How the next 5 years
may play out

Johannesburg, 29 July 2025 – The Absa Merchant Spend Analytics Report for May 2025 indicates a slight uptick in card activity, following April’s sharp decline. According to Absa’s internal data, card spending increased by 2% month-on-month (MTM), while transaction volumes climbed by 4%. Despite the 2% growth in card spending and 4% increase in transaction volumes, this growth remains below the prevailing inflation rate of 2.8%.

The Merchant Spend Analytics Report for April 2025 noted a surprising decline in card transaction data for the month. In the wake of a robust performance in March, the month-to-month figures showed a 5% decline in card spending and a 7% decrease in transaction volume.

The first quarter for 2025 revealed resilient card spending with remarkable month-to-month recoveries. While growth moderated on a year-to-date basis, consumer sentiment remained strong and stable.

Absa spend insights report reveals major consumer spending patterns in the face of economic transitions. Report highlights stabilising spending trends, digital commence growth, and the township economy's evolution.