Manufacturing production ticks up

Johannesburg -Year-on-year manufacturing production increased by 8% in September 2014, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) said on Tuesday.

The increase was mainly due to higher production in the motor vehicles, parts and accessories, and other transport equipment division (121.6% and contributing 5.8%).

In September 2013, production in the automotive sector was adversely affected by industrial action.

The food and beverages division also contributed to the increase with 6.1% and contributing 1.6%.

Seasonally adjusted manufacturing production decreased by 1.3% in the third quarter of 2014 compared with the second quarter of 2014.

Stats SA said five of the ten manufacturing divisions reported negative growth rates over this period.

The largest negative contribution to the decrease of 1.3% was made by the basic iron and steel, non-ferrous metal products, metal products, and machinery division (-6.1% and contributing -1.2%).

SA #manufacturing up by 8% y/y Sep-14. Motor vehicle& parts +121,6% communication equipment +16,3% #StatsSA http://t.co/UB2D1iwT7E

— Stats SA (@StatsSA) November 11, 2014