Key findings: P3041.2 - Manufacturing: Production and sales, June 2008

Manufacturing production rebounded in June 2008, increasing by 6,1% compared with June 2007, following weak production in May 2008 (1,1% annual increase). The strong manufacturing production in June 2008 followed gains reported by the food and beverages division and the petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic products division. Production in the petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic products division was low in June 2007, as a result of maintenance at some refineries.

The estimated total value of sales of manufactured products at current prices for the second quarter of 2008 increased by 10,0% (R31 447 million), after seasonal adjustment, compared with the first quarter of 2008. Higher manufacturing sales were reported by all ten manufacturing divisions during this period.