Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) reported a decline in manufacturing production by at least 0,7% year-on-year in January 2026.
Key growth rates in manufacturing sales fell by a percentage point from -3,2% to -2,2%.
Seasonally adjusted manufacturing sales increased by 2,8% in January 2026, compared to December 2025.
But quarterly sales were down, owing to a drop in motor vehicles, parts and accessories by -15,8%. This translates to R 132,953 million sold in the quarter ending in October 2025, compared to R111,970 million between November 2025- January 2026.
Sales in food and beverages decreased by -1,9%, going from R226,060 million in the third quarter of 2025 to R221,675 million in the fourth quarter, ending in January 2026.
Nicolai Claassen, Director of Industry Statistics at Stats SA, said in addition, there was a 0,7% decline in manufacturing production, year on year (January 2025 – January 2026).
The largest losses were in wood and wood products, paper, publishing and printing, basic iron and steel, non-ferrous metal products, as well as metal products and machinery.
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