THE declining trend in manufacturing production, which started in the middle of 1997, has continued throughout 1999, showing a 0,7% decrease for the second quarter of the year. Statistics South Africa said on Thursday that lower production was reported in 20 of the 27 major manufacturing divisions in the second quarter. The major contributors to the decrease were the electrical machinery, basic chemical, machinery and furniture industries. The total value of sales of manufactured products for the second quarter reflected an increase of 2,8% or R2637-million. The largest increase was reported by the petroleum industry, which was 20 percent or R940-million. The motor vehicle industry saw a 5,5% increase (R495-million), the paper industry a 7,5% rise (R368-million), and the machinery industry 7,2% (R328-million) increase.