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

The estimated seasonally adjusted manufacturing production for the three months ended October 2008 decreased by 2,2% compared with the previous three months. Lower production levels were reported by seven of the ten manufacturing divisions. Manufacturing production for October 2008 decreased by 1,6% compared with October 2007. Manufacturing production for January to October 2008 increased by 2,7% compared with the same period in 2007, which was lower than the annual increase of 3,2% reported for the period January to September 2008.

The estimated total value of sales of manufactured products at current prices for the three months ended October 2008 decreased by 0,9% (-R3 162 million), after seasonal adjustment, compared with the previous three months. Lower manufacturing sales were reported by six of the ten manufacturing divisions during this period.