South Africa’s economy shrunk by 1.5 percent during the third quarter of 2021 on the back of subdued activities in wholesale, retail, motor trade, catering and accommodation services, a senior Statistics South Africa said on Wednesday.
Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke said during this period the trade, catering and accommodation industry decreased by 5.5 percent, representing a minus 0.7 percentage point contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) growth.
Maluleke said between July and September manufacturing sector output declined by 4.2 percent, contributing a minus 0.5 percentage point to GDP.
“Eight of the ten manufacturing divisions reported negative growth rates in the third quarter,” Maluleke said.
He added: “The motor vehicles, parts and accessories and other transport equipment division made the largest contribution to the decrease in the third quarter.”
The food and beverages division, iron and steel, non-ferrous metal products, metal products and machinery division also made noteworthy contributions to the contraction, the official said.
The agriculture, forestry and fishing industry decreased by 13.6 percent on the back of declines in production of field crops and animal products.
NM/jn/APA