Manufacturing sector still under pressure despite output rising marginally in September

SOUTH Africa's manufacturing production rose slightly by 0.3% year-on-year in September, reflecting modest growth in an otherwise strained industrial landscape.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

According to data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Tuesday, this marked the first month of industrial growth, albeit very mild, following two consecutive months of decline.

Stats SA said the motor vehicles, parts and accessories, and other transport equipment division recorded a 7.6% increase while the food and beverages division also expanded by 1.8%.

StatsSA’s director of industry statistics, Nicolai Claassen, said five of the 10 manufacturing divisions reported positive growth rates over this period compared to the same period last year.

However, on a month-on-month seasonally adjusted basis, which is critical for calculating quarterly GDP growth, Classen said manufacturing output declined by 0.5% in September, following increases of 0.7% in August and a 0.9% contraction in July.

Overall, seasonally adjusted production in the third quarter of 2025 edged up 0.1% compared with the previous quarter, with only four of the 10 manufacturing divisions showing positive growth.