Key findings: P3041.2 - Manufacturing: Production and sales, June 2009

Manufacturing production decreases

The seasonally adjusted manufacturing production for the second quarter of 2009 decreased by 3,0% compared with the first quarter 2009. Lower production levels were reported by eight of the ten manufacturing divisions during the latest three months.

The decrease was driven mainly by lower production in the petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic products division (contributing -0,9 of a percentage point), the wood and wood products, paper, publishing and printing division (contributing -0,7 of a percentage point), the textiles, clothing, leather and footwear division, the glass and non-metallic mineral products division and the basic iron and steel, non-ferrous metal products, metal products and machinery division (each contributing -0,3 of a percentage point). The only division with a positive growth rate during this period was the food and beverages division. 

The estimated total value of sales of manufactured products at current prices for the second quarter of 2009 decreased by 5,4% (-R15 798 million), after seasonal adjustment, compared with the first quarter of 2009. Lower manufacturing sales were reported by nine of the ten manufacturing divisions during this period.