South Africa: Manufacturing production growth slows in September
Manufacturing production increased 1.3% year-on-year in September (August: +1.9% yoy). The result was largely due to weaker food and beverages output. In addition, basic iron and steel, non-ferrous metal products, metal products and machinery output lost pace. Lastly, motor vehicles, parts and accessories, and other transport equipment lost pace, while wood and wood products, paper, publishing and printing gained momentum.
On a monthly basis, manufacturing production increased 3.8% in seasonally-adjusted terms in September, which was notably below August’s 7.1% expansion. Meanwhile, annual average manufacturing output growth rose to 6.3% in September (August: +5.8%), signaling an improving trend in the manufacturing sector.