The seasonally adjusted real gross domestic product (GDP) at market prices for the first quarter of 2012 increased by an annualised rate of 2,7 per cent compared with an increase of 3,2 per cent during the fourth quarter of 2011.
The main contributors to the increase in economic activity for the first quarter of 2012 were the manufacturing industry (1,2 percentage points), finance, real estate and business services (0,9 of a percentage point), the wholesale, retail, motor trade and accommodation industry (contributing 0,4 of a percentage point), general government services (0,3 of a percentage point) and the transport, storage and communication industry (0,2 of a percentage point). The electricity, gas and water industry made no contribution for four consecutive quarters.
The seasonally adjusted real annualised value added by secondary and tertiary sectors recorded increases of 6,4 per cent and 3,0 per cent respectively, while the primary sector recorded a decrease of 11,2 per cent during the first quarter of 2012.
The unadjusted real GDP at market prices for the first quarter of 2012 increased by 2,1 per cent compared with the first quarter of 2011.
The GDP estimates are preliminary, and may routinely be revised on the basis of additional evidence that has become available by the time the subsequent quarter's estimates are released.
For further enquiries contact:
Mr Gerhardt Bouwer
Tel: 012 310 8241
Cell: 082 888 2409
Ms Kedibone Mabaso
Tel: 012 310 8410
Cell: 082 884 6028
Real gross domestic product (GDP) at market prices increased by 2,7 per cent during the first quarter of 2012
