MANUFACTURING output expanded by 1.9% year-on-year (y/y) in November, however, despite the moderate annual growth conditions in the sector remained lacklustre. This was a slight moderation from the upwardly revised 2.3% y/y expansion in October.
Statistics South Africa said yesterday the largest contributions were made by wood and wood products, paper, publishing and printing up 8% as well as motor vehicles, parts and accessories and other transport equipment, rising 5.7%.
This as a break-down of the manu- facturing production numbers indicated that eight of the 10 categories included in the manufacturing basket increased annually in November.
The largest negative contributions were made by food and beverages, down 2%, while basic iron and steel, non-ferrous metal products, metal products and machinery slid 1.4%.
Seasonally adjusted output, aligning with the official calculation…