SA’s factory output shrunk by less than expected in September, indicating the sector was on the mend although a recovery was expected to be slow.

South Africa’s manufacturing output shrank by a worse-than-expected 15% year-on-year in August, showing the sector remains deep in trouble.

SA year-on-year factory output fell for a 10th consecutive month in July, data showed on Thursday, but production was up on previous months.

Manufacturing production data for the month of June has shocked Cosatu, the union federation said on Wednesday.