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South Africa’s manufacturing sector has come under pressure, with factory output falling by 3.5% year-on-year in September.

Statistics South Africa’s latest figures show that the biggest declines were in motor vehicle and transport equipment production, which dropped by 15%.

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However, the month-on-month picture was more stable, with seasonally adjusted manufacturing production remaining flat in September, following a 3% contraction in August.

Stats SA’s director of industry statistics Nicolai Claassen said,

“The manufacturing release in September concludes the results for the third quarter of the year. Seasonally adjusted manufacturing activity increased by 0.9% in the third quarter of 2026 compared with the second quarter. 5 of the 10 manufacturing divisions reported higher production levels over this period, with food and beverages the most significant positive contributor.”

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