GDP down to 1.3 % in first quarter

This was down from a 4.1% increase in the fourth quarter of 2014. The main contributors to the increase in economic activity for the first quarter of 2015 were the mining and quarrying industry (which contributed 0.8% based on growth of 10.2%,) finance, real estate and business services (which contributed 0.7% based on growth of 3.8%.)

According to Stats SA, the positive growth in mining and quarrying was due to higher production in the mining of coal and mining of “other” metal ores including platinum while the growth in finance, real estate and business services was due to increased activities in banking from financial intermediation services and equity, bond and other financial markets in auxiliary activities.

The wholesale, retail and motor trade, catering and accommodation industry also contributed to economic activity at 0.2% based on growth of 1.2%. Meanwhile, the growth in the wholesale, retail and motor trade, catering and accommodation industry was due to an increase in turnover in the wholesale and retail trade divisions.

However, negative contributions were recorded by the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry (-0.4%) and the manufacturing industry (-0.3%.) Economic activity in the manufacturing industry reflected negative growth of 2.4% due to a lower production in the following divisions: petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic products and wood and wood products, among others.

When compared with the same quarter a year ago, the economy fared better (expanding by 2.1% from the fourth quarter’s 1.3%), but this mainly reflects the impact of last year’s strike-inflicted base. According to Nedbank economists, the economy is still expected to grow by a subdued 2.2% in 2015 as a whole. This is helped by moderately firmer retail activity and some recovery in mining off last year’s low base. However, the upside will be contained by load shedding, lower international commodity prices and subdued global demand, said the analysts.

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