Activity has now contracted for two consecutive months, albeit mildly. As noted in the January release, the sustained strength of the rand exchange rate probably explains much of the pressure on manufacturing. |
Although the buoyant growth and demand conditions in the wider economy bode well for prospects in the sector, sustained currency strength has some dampening effect on the manufacturing sector's growth trajectory. |
However, given the anticipated revenue overrun, he is likely to be forced to reduce all marginal income tax rates. |
On balance, purchasing managers remain hesitant in the current manufacturing business climate. |
The decline in the price index was supported by the further currency appreciation to levels below R6.30 per US dollar at year-end, as well as the moderation in local energy prices. |
The decline in the price index was supported by the further currency appreciation to levels below R6.30/$ at year-end, as well as the moderation in local energy prices. |
The decline in the price index was supported by the further currency appreciation to levels below R6.30/US$ at year-end, as well as the moderation in local energy prices. |
The index is now well above the break-even level of 50, and points to a solid revival in the manufacturing sector. |
The index, however, remains well below the peak of 60 reached in July last year. |
The manufacturing sector may be benefiting from the re-acceleration in global industrial production that is currently underway, and is evidently beginning to share more fully in the buoyant domestic economic conditions. |
The renewed strength of the rand currency will reduce the competitiveness of the local manufacturing sector. |
The slight depreciation of the rand during March seems to have impacted positively on both the export performance of manufacturers as well as the degree of import competition. This is a positive development. However, compared to other sectors of the South African economy (excluding mining), where both activity and confidence are at high levels, the manufacturing sector is clearly still under pressure. |
This also had a positive impact on the rate of retrenchments, which slowed somewhat in March. |
This confirms that manufacturing conditions are under pressure. |
This indicates that manufacturing activity picked up somewhat in December following the slowdown in the preceding months. |