Key findings: P0441 - Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 4th Quarter 2015

The GDP estimates (4th quarter 2015 0,6% q/q)

Real gross domestic product (GDP) at market prices increased by 0,6 per cent during the fourth quarter of 2015

The seasonally adjusted real GDP at market prices for the fourth quarter of 2015 increased by an annualised rate of 0,6 per cent compared with an increase of 0,7 per cent during the third quarter of 2015 (see full report here – PDF).

The main contributors to the increase in economic activity in the fourth quarter of 2015 were the wholesale, retail and motor trade; catering and accommodation industry and finance, real estate and business services (each contributing 0,4 of a percentage point), and general government services (contributing 0,2 of a percentage point). Negative contributions were recorded by the manufacturing industry and the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry (each contributing -0,3 of a percentage point).

The seasonally adjusted real annualised value added by the primary and secondary sectors recorded decreases of 2,0 per cent and 1,5 per cent respectively, while the tertiary sector recorded an increase of 1,5 per cent during the fourth quarter of 2015.

The unadjusted real GDP at market prices for the fourth quarter of 2015 increased by 0,6 per cent compared with the fourth quarter of 2014.

Real annual GDP increased by 1,3 per cent in 2015 following an increase of 1,5 per cent in 2014

According to the latest preliminary indicators, the annual real estimate of GDP for 2015 increased by 1,3 per cent compared with 2014.

The main contributors to the increase in economic activity in 2015 were finance, real estate and business services (0,6 of a percentage point), the mining and quarrying industry and the wholesale, retail and motor trade; catering and accommodation industry (each contributing 0,2 of a percentage point). A negative contribution was recorded by the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry (-0,2 of a percentage point).

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 quarters estimates are released.

Statement issued by StatsSA, 1 March 2016