Positive trade conditions were recorded in South Africa in September, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) said on Tuesday.

Current South African trade conditions as indicated by the Trade Activity Index (TAI) had moved into positive territory, measuring 51, SACCI said in releasing its monthly trade conditions survey to the South African Press Association (SAPA).

"The September 2010 TAI is a considerable improvement over the 45 of August 2010, " the survey said.

There had been a marked increase in sales volumes from 50 in August to 59 in September.

In addition all the components of South African physical trade activity (excluding prices) improved in September.

SACCI said this is a return to the high levels recorded in February and March 2010.

South Africa's supplier delivery index increased from 44 in August to 52 in September, while stock levels picked up from 44 to 52 in September in anticipation of year-end activity.

Inflationary expectations in South Africa eased as both the indices on selling and input prices decreased by two and one index point respectively, a marked increase in sales volumes from 50 in August to 59 in September, SACCI said.

On these indices, any reading above 50 indicates a positive outlook.