In its preliminary Manufacturing: Production and Sales statistical release, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reveals that manufacturing production increased by 1.7% year-on-year in July.

Stats SA industry statistics director Nicolai Claassen notes that five of the ten manufacturing divisions recorded a rise in production, with the largest positive contributions made by the food and beverages, and basic iron and steel, nonferrous metal products, metal products and machinery divisions.

Manufacturers in food and beverages recorded an increase of 9.5% year-on-year, while metals and machinery output rose by 5.2% year-on-year.

On the downside, Claassen noted that five divisions recorded a negative month, with the largest negative contribution made by the motor vehicles, parts and accessories and other transport equipment division, recording a fall in production of 12.1%.

Moreover, seasonally adjusted manufacturing production increased by 2.1% in July,  compared with June. This followed month-on-month changes of -0.4% in June  and -3.3% in May.

Additionally, Stats SA notes that seasonally adjusted manufacturing production decreased by 0.5% in the three months ended July, compared with the previous three months.

Further, seven of the ten manufacturing divisions reported negative growth rates over this period.

The largest negative contribution was reported for the food and beverages division, recording a decrease of 1.1%.

Meanwhile, Stats SA reports that seasonally adjusted manufacturing sales increased by 1.6% in July, compared with June. This followed month-on-month changes of 0.2% in June and -2.7% in May.

Seasonally adjusted manufacturing sales decreased by 0.2% in the three months ended July 2024 compared with the previous three months.

The largest negative contributions were made by the motor vehicles, parts and accessories and other transport equipment, with -2.5% and food and beverages, with -1.6%.

The largest positive contribution was made by the basic iron and steel, nonferrous metal products, metal products and machinery division, with 1.7%.