Manufacturing sector declines by 0.7% year-on-year in Jan

South Africa’s manufacturing sector has started the year on a weaker footing, with production slipping 0.7%  year-on-year in January.
The decline was due to sharp contractions in the wood, paper, publishing and printing industry as well as the basic iron, steel and machinery division.
Seven divisions recorded stronger year-on-year growth but this was not enough to lift the industry into positive territory.
“The petroleum chemical products, rubber and plastic products division was the most significant positive contributor, expanding by 6.7% year-on-year. On a month-on-month basis, seasonally adjusted manufacturing production rose by 1.5% in January 2026. This followed decreases of 1.3% in December 2025 and 2.2% in November 2025,” says Director of Industry Statistics at Stats SA Nicolai Claassen.
 

#SAmanufacturing || Manufacturing production declined by 0,7% year-on-year in January 2026.
– Statistical release and Excel files: #StatsSA #KnowYourStatsZA #GovZAUpdates pic.twitter.com/rxDj5vtCgz
— Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) (@StatsSA) March 12, 2026

 
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