The four-week strike led by trade union Numsa in July disrupted the manufacturing sector causing production and output to shrink.

The latest manufacturing figures point to a weak manufacturing sector, which doesn’t bode well with Christmas around the corner.

Manufacturing production in South Africa in February rose 6% year on year, data released by Statistics South Africa on Thursday showed.

South Africa’s manufacturing output grew by a higher-than-expected 4,6% year-on-year in volume terms in November.

South Africa’s manufacturing output grew by 7,5% year-on-year in volume terms in July compared with an upwardly revised 9,3% expansion in June.

SA’s manufacturing output slowed year-on-year in May, adding to recent data that suggests the pace of economic recovery is losing some steam.

South Africa’s manufacturing output grew by 3,2% year-on-year in volume terms in December compared with a revised 4,6% contraction in November.

South Africa’s manufacturing output shrank at a much lower rate in the year to November compared with October.

SA’s manufacturing output shrunk by a record 21,6% year-on-year in volume terms in April compared with a 11,8% contraction in March.

South Africa’s manufacturing output shrunk by 11,7% year-on-year in March.

South Africa’s manufacturing output shrunk by 11,1% year-on-year (y/y) in volume terms in January compared with a 7,1% contraction in December.

The seasonally adjusted PMI — which measures the level of activity in the manufacturing sector — fell to a record low in February.

Manufacturing output for December 2008 fell by 7% year-on-year, Statistics South Africa said on Tuesday.

SA’s factory output growth jumped to 4,9% year-on-year in September, largely due to base effects after a strike at vehicle parts manufacturers.