South Africa Manufacturing Output Rises 1.9% June Boosts Q2 GDP

South Africa's manufacturing output increased by 1.9% year-on-year in June 2025, surpassing market expectations and marking the second consecutive month of industrial growth, signaling a positive contribution to the country's second-quarter GDP. While month-on-month production remained flat in June following gains in May, key sectors such as food and beverages and petroleum, chemicals, rubber, and plastics drove growth, with the automotive sector also showing momentum despite challenges in vehicle production. Despite the positive quarterly turnaround, manufacturing output in the first half of 2025 was still lower than the same period in 2024, reflecting ongoing subdued domestic demand. In contrast, Mexico's industrial production declined slightly in June, with mining and construction sectors contracting and manufacturing output rising marginally, particularly in electronics but falling in vehicle production. Overall, South Africa's manufacturing performance indicates cautious optimism for economic growth, whereas Mexico faces continuing industrial challenges.