Key findings: P3041.2 - Manufacturing: Production and sales, December 2007

Manufacturing production for 2007 reflected an increase of 4,1% compared with 2006, but this was lower than the 4,8% annual rise registered in 2006. Higher production was reported by nine of the ten manufacturing divisions in 2007 with the motor vehicles, parts and accessories and other transport equipment division being the only division to show a decline.
The total value of sales of manufactured products at current prices for 2007 increased by 15,4% (+R149 822 million) compared with 2006. Increases in manufacturing sales were reported by all ten manufacturing divisions.

The estimated seasonally adjusted manufacturing production for the fourth quarter of 2007 increased by 2,5% compared with the third quarter of 2007. Higher production levels were reported by six of the ten manufacturing divisions.
The estimated total value of sales of manufactured products at current prices for the fourth quarter of 2007 increased by 4,6% (R12 806 million), after seasonal adjustment, compared with the third quarter of 2007.