Manufacturing production decreased by 5.2% year-on-year in February, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reports.
The largest contributions were made by food and beverages (-6.1% and contributing -1.3 percentage points); basic iron and steel, nonferrous metal products, metal products and machinery (-5.3% and contributing -1.1 percentage points); and petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic products (-4.7% and contributing -1 percentage point).
Seasonally adjusted manufacturing production decreased by 1.3% in February compared with January.
This followed month-on-month changes of 0.5% in January and 0.2% in December.
Seasonally adjusted manufacturing production decreased by 1% in the three months ended February compared with the previous three months.
Five of the ten manufacturing divisions reported negative growth rates over this period.
The largest contribution was made by the motor vehicles, parts and accessories and other transport equipment division (-10.9% and contributing -1.2 percentage points).
SALES
Seasonally adjusted manufacturing sales increased by 2.1% in February compared with January.
This followed month-on-month changes of -0.3% in January and 1.9% in December.
Seasonally adjusted manufacturing sales increased by 2.7% in the three months ended February compared with the previous three months.
The largest contributions were made by motor vehicles, parts and accessories and other transport equipment (8.3% and contributing 1.3 percentage points); petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic products (2.7% and contributing 0.6 of a percentage point); and basic iron and steel, nonferrous metal products, metal products and machinery (2.4% and contributing 0.5 of a percentage point).