Manufacturing production in South Africa has continued its downward trend, slipping by 3,3% year-on-year in January 2025.

The largest negative contributions were petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastics division.

Meanwhile, the automotive division recorded its ninth consecutive month of year-on-year decline.

Director of Industry Statistics at StatSA Nicolai Claassen, says the weak performance was mainly due to a decrease in the production of parts and accessories for motor vehicles.

“Three divisions expanded in January. These include wood, paper, printing and publishing, glass and non-metallic, mineral products and furniture and manufacturing notes were classified. Growth was flat for iron, steel, metal products and machinery. On a month on month basis, seasonally-adjusted manufacturing production edged higher by 0.2% in January 2025 compared with December 2024,” says Claassen.