South Africa's manufacturing output rose by a seasonally adjusted 3,1% in December compared to the previous month, official data showed yesterday.

Manufacturing is one of the main drivers of the continent's biggest economy, accounting for about 16% of gross domestic product in the third quarter of 2004.

It emerged from a prolonged recession early last year, but recent surveys have suggested the sector began to contract again in the fourth quarter of 2004, pressured by the impact of the strong rand on exports.

In the year to December, manufacturing rose by an unadjusted rate of 7,8%. In the three months to December, it was unchanged compared to the previous three months, also on a seasonally revised basis. - Reuters.