In 2025, mobile phones in South Africa recorded a slight decline in volume sales. However, smartphones recorded a modest year-on-year growth of 0.2% in retail volume. Although this growth was relatively flat, it indicates a positive trend following two consecutive years of decline. The rising popula ...

In 2025, volume sales of home video in South Africa declined, but the decrease was smaller than in the previous year, suggesting a potential recovery in the market. This decline can primarily be attributed to the sluggish performance of television, which remained relatively flat throughout the revie ...

Wireless headphones in South Africa continued to record strong growth in retail volume terms in 2025, driven almost exclusively by the performance of true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds. As the largest sub-category within wireless headphones, TWS earbuds has solidified its lead due to its sleek, wire ...

Volume sales of wearable electronics increased in South Africa in 2025, driven by sustained consumer interest in health and wellness. The national trend toward healthier lifestyles remains strong, with more individuals engaging in regular physical activity such as gym workouts, running, and walking. ...

Volume sales of computers and peripherals decreased in South Africa in 2025. Despite experiencing strong retail volume growth during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent years, computers and peripherals encountered challenges in 2025, although signs of stabilisation are starting to emerge. Eurom ...

Volume sales of home audio and cinema decreased in South Africa in 2025, continuing the trend from the previous year. Economic pressures remained a key factor, limiting consumers’ disposable income and leading many to postpone or avoid purchases of non-essential audio equipment. Euromonitor Internat ...

Volume sales of imaging devices slightly declined in 2025, reflecting a broader shift in consumer priorities during challenging economic times. Both digital cameras and camcorders struggled to maintain relevance as consumers gravitated toward multifunctional alternatives, most notably smartphones, w ...

Volume sales of portable players in South Africa rose in 2025, driven almost entirely by the sustained growth and popularity of wireless speakers, the most dynamic category. These devices benefit from being portable while offering improved sound quality and longer battery life. The unreliable electr ...

In 2025, consumer electronics in South Africa began to stabilise, recording marginal positive growth in volume terms, following a challenging 2024. Easing inflation and interest rates improved consumer purchasing power, while political stability under the Government of National Unity (GNU) and a mor ...

Volume sales of in-car entertainment decreased in South Africa in 2025. The decline in retail volume is driven by ongoing shifts in consumer behaviour and rapid technological integration. This trend, evident over the past several years, continues to reflect the growing preference for multifunctional ...

South Africa's real GDP growth rate for 2025 is maintained at 0.8% in this forecast round, but next year's growth rate is lowered marginally to 1.3% from 1.4% previously. Although the 30% tariff on South African goods entering the US remains broadly unchanged from the Liberation Day announce ...

The beauty and personal care industry in South Africa witnessed strong growth in 2024, in both volume and value terms, fuelled by rising living standards, urbanisation and longer life expectancy. Social media continues to influence demand tapping into the heightened focus on grooming, particularly a ...

In recent years, hair care in South Africa has evolved significantly, with a noticeable increase in products specifically formulated for textured hair. Recognising the diverse hair types of local consumers, ranging from tightly coiled to loosely curled, brands have expanded their offerings to includ ...

Baby and child-specific products is expected to remain resilient in South Africa due to its essential nature and consistent demand, regardless of economic fluctuations. Parents are generally less willing to compromise when it comes to their babies’ hygiene and skincare needs, prioritising trusted br ...

South Africa’s challenging economic environment, characterised by high unemployment, rising inflation, and constrained household budgets, has contributed to slower growth in the premium beauty and personal care segment. As consumers tighten their spending, many are opting to trade down from luxury a ...

Colour cosmetics in South Africa witnessed solid growth in 2024, largely driven by an increase in product launches within the affordable mass segment, making beauty more accessible to cost-conscious consumers. Demand remains strong, fuelled by social media influence and the continued emphasis on per ...

Social media has played a pivotal role in elevating the importance of sun protection, driving both awareness and demand for sunscreen products in South Africa. Increasingly, consumers and particularly younger audiences, are prioritising preventative skin care, with a strong focus on shielding the sk ...

Skin care brands in South Africa are increasingly exploring innovative ways to connect with consumers, leveraging cutting-edge experiential marketing. Unilever South Africa brought its Lux range to life through the “Lux Botanicals Paradise” campaign, offering an immersive experience that invites con ...

Most consumers in South Africa remain loyal to deodorant brands they trust, largely because these products have consistently proven effective and meet their specific needs. Even when switching between product formats, many consumers prefer to use familiar brands. Given the high level of price sensit ...

Price sensitivity continues to shape demand in the depilatories category, as South African consumers navigate ongoing financial pressures amid rising living costs. Many households sought to trim discretionary spending, leading to more cost-conscious choices when buying essential grooming products. A ...

Mass beauty products are experiencing strong growth in South Africa as financially constrained consumers increasingly prioritise affordability without compromising on quality. With rising living costs and economic pressures, many shoppers are trading down from premium brands to more accessible optio ...

Men’s grooming in South Africa is experiencing significant growth and diversification, moving well beyond its traditional focus on shaving and basic hygiene. Today, men are engaging more actively in personal care routines, prompting the emergence of new subcategories tailored specifically to their n ...

Consumer demand for oral care in South Africa remained resilient in 2024, reflecting its status as a non-negotiable part of personal hygiene and wellness routines. However, the ongoing cost-of-living pressures meant that many consumers adopted more strategic and cost-conscious behaviours when shoppi ...

Bath and shower are considered essential products for many South African consumers. Despite financial challenges, a significant portion of the population views bar soap as a necessity and regularly includes it in their monthly shopping. Bar soap continues to be the most popular choice in this catego ...

Ongoing financial strain has led many consumers in South Africa to focus on essential beauty and personal care products, with fragrances often seen as a luxury rather than a necessity. For many, both premium and mass-market perfumes are reserved for special occasions or gifted to loved ones, which n ...