Manufacturing Sales Increase 0.9 Percent

Manufacturing Sales Increase 0.9 Percent

Seasonally adjusted manufacturing sales for the September 2002 quarter increased by 0.9 percent, compared with the June 2002 quarter, according to Statistics New Zealand.

This follows an increase of 2.8 percent in the June 2002 quarter, and an increase of 0.5 percent in the March 2002 quarter.

With the effect of price changes removed, seasonally adjusted manufacturing sales increased by 1.7 percent in the September 2002 quarter, compared with the June 2002 quarter.

Ten out of 15 industries recorded increases in seasonally adjusted sales in the September 2002 quarter, compared with the June 2002 quarter. Basic metal manufacturing (up $78 million), other food manufacturing (up $48 million) and transport equipment manufacturing (up $41 million) recorded the largest increases in seasonally adjusted sales in the September 2002 quarter, compared with the June 2002 quarter. Meat and dairy manufacturing had the largest decrease (down $57 million).

The value of finished goods stocks, as at 30 September 2002, was $5,673 million. This is $1,362 million (31.6 percent) higher in value than at 30 September 2001. Raw materials stocks were valued at $2,679 million as at 30 September 2002, 2.9 percent higher than at 30 September 2001.

Brian Pink

Government Statistician

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