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

The estimated seasonally adjusted manufacturing production for the third quarter of 2008 decreased by 2,5% compared with the second quarter of 2008. Manufacturing production for January to September 2008 increased by 3,2% compared with the same period in 2007, which was slightly higher than the annual increase of 3,0% reported for the period January to August 2008. The manufacturing production for September 2008 increased by 4,9% compared with September 2007. The higher annual growth rate in manufacturing production for September 2008 is mainly due to strike action within the motor vehicle parts and accessories industries during September 2007.

The estimated total value of sales of manufactured products at current prices for the third quarter of 2008 increased by 1,1% (R3 980 million), after seasonal adjustment, compared with the second quarter of 2008. Higher manufacturing sales were reported by six of the ten manufacturing divisions during this period.