IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH DATA ECOSYSTEMS

Manufacturing production for the first five months of 2007 recorded strong growth of 5,8% compared with the first five months of 2006. The reported growth in manufacturing production of 5,8% is the highest increase reported over the last six years for the five-month period. In addition, manufacturing production for May 2007 also increased by 6,6% compared with May 2006. However, the estimated seasonally adjusted manufacturing production for the three months ended May 2007 decreased marginally by 0,2% compared with the previous three months.

The total value of sales of manufactured products at current prices recorded an increase of 21,4% in May 2007 compared with May 2006. This is the fifth consecutive time that total value of sales have reached reported growth rates of over 20% in 2007. Furthermore, the estimated total value of sales of manufactured products at current prices for the three months ended May 2007 increased by 4,0% (R10 650 million), after seasonal adjustment, compared with the previous three months.