TRADE conditions returned to positive territory in May, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said.

TRADE conditions returned to positive territory in May, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said.

Sacci said this yesterday when it released its monthly trade conditions survey.

The trade activity index (TAI), which reflects current trade conditions, recovered by 4 index points to 51 in May, following the impact of fewer trading days in April 2010, Sacci said.

"The TAI is 11 index points higher than in May last year, but trade expectations index , measuring 61 in May this year, were down from the highs expected at the end of last year and in the beginning of this year."

Sacci said the majority of the sub-components of trade activity, with the exception of employment and inventories, contributed to improved trade conditions in May this year.

The sub-index on sales volumes recovered 10 of the 15 index points lost in April this year when the index dropped to 48. - Sapa