South Africa’s manufacturing production remained in contraction territory in December 2025, but the pace of decline slowed notably compared with the previous month. Month-over-month output fell by 1.2% in December, an improvement from the sharper 2.1% decline recorded in November 2025, according to data updated on 12 February 2026.
The month‑over‑month comparison shows that while factories are still producing less than in prior months, the sector’s downturn is becoming less pronounced. The “actual” figure for December reflects the change in output versus November, whereas the “previous” November reading captured the change against October. The moderation from -2.1% to -1.2% may indicate that the worst of the recent soft patch in manufacturing could be passing, but continued negative readings highlight lingering pressure on industrial activity.
For investors and policymakers, the data suggest a cautiously improving short‑term trend rather than a clear recovery. Markets will now watch upcoming releases to see whether December’s milder contraction marks the beginning of a stabilizing phase for South Africa’s manufacturing sector or merely a brief pause in a broader weakening cycle.
