South Africa’s manufacturing sector posted a powerful rebound in June 2025, with total sales reaching R290.8 billion up 2.9% year-on-year and 2.4% month-on-month.
This marks the strongest monthly growth since early 2024, driven by robust performances in food and beverages (up 10.3%), motor vehicles and parts (up 5.5%), and petroleum-based products (up 3.2%). Production volumes also rose 1.9% compared to June 2024, with the food and beverages division contributing 1.4 percentage points to the overall growth.
“This uptick signals a resilient recovery in key industrial segments,” said Risenga Maluleke, Statistician-General at Stats SA. in the official document “The motor vehicle and food sectors are leading the charge, reflecting both domestic demand and export momentum.”
Key Highlights:
- Motor vehicles, parts, and accessories sales rose to R46.5 billion, a 5.5% quarterly increase.
- Beverages saw a 13% year-on-year surge, contributing R17.3 billion in June alone.
- Petroleum and chemical products added R62.1 billion, with coke and refined petroleum up 12%.
Industry analysts note that while some divisions like basic iron and steel (-12.6%) and dairy products (-6.7%) lagged, the overall trajectory is positive.
“The mixed performance across divisions reflects structural shifts in consumer demand and global supply chains,” commented Claassen, senior analyst .
Economic Impact
This manufacturing revival is a bullish signal for South Africa’s GDP outlook. Manufacturing contributes roughly 13% to the national economy, and June’s data suggests a stabilizing trend after months of contraction.
Globally, South Africa’s improved output could enhance its competitiveness in automotive and processed food exports, especially within SADC and BRICS trade corridors.
With Q2 2025 showing a 1.2% rise in seasonally adjusted sales and a 1.5% increase in production, the sector is poised to support broader economic recovery potentially lifting investor confidence and strengthening the rand.
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