Import statistics show that South African companies are continuing to invest in plant and equipment despite the downturn. According to the latest figures released by statistician general Risenga Maluleke, imports of goods and services increased by 18.8% in the second quarter of 2019. The main categories were machinery and equipment, mineral products and chemical products. This investment helped grow gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) which increased by 6,1%, following five consecutive declines. A further indication of increased business confidence was that there was a R26 billion build-up of inventories in the second quarter of 2019.