The manufacturing sector grew slightly in June, but not enough to avoid dragging down the second quarter’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth figure. Manufacturing output increased by 0.7% in June from the same month in 2017, Statistics SA reported on Tuesday. May’s figure was revised up to 2% from the previously reported 1.5%, which was not enough to bring the three months seasonably adjusted average for the second quarter above zero. Manufacturing output declined by 0.1% in the three months ended June. The biggest negative contributors in June were motor vehicles and parts, with an annual decline of 3.3%, followed by wood and paper production, which fell 1.5%. Best growth was contributed by the food and beverage industry, which increased output by 4.3%, followed by fuel refineries at 1.7%. South African factories have battled difficult trading conditions recently, given international trade wars, continued domestic political uncertainty, higher fuel prices and some electricity dis...
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