Australian Industry Index®

The Australian Industry Index® is representative of the modern industrial ecosystem. It brings together the manufacturing, construction, engineering, technology and business services sectors – industries which together account for 36% of the Australian economy.

Recognising the heritage and importance of the Australian PMI® and Australia PCI®, both will continue as sub-indicators available within the Australian Industry Index®, however, there will no longer be separate release dates for these indexes.

The Australian Industry Index® is published on the first working Wednesday of each month (or the following working day if the Wednesday is a national holiday): Australian Industry Index release dates 2026


December / January 2026: Construction sector surges into the new year

Key findings

  • The Australian Industry Index® remained in contraction during Dec/Jan at -12.3 (seasonally adjusted).
  • Activity, employment, new orders, and input volumes contracted at the same rate as the previous month.
  • Construction activity rose with strong project inquiries, with the PCI indicator returning to positive territory for the first time in two years.
  • Metals and food industries posted stronger results during the holiday period, while machinery and chemicals reported seasonal slowdowns.
  • Most sub industries noted that rising higher input costs, taxes, regulatory pressures, and economic uncertainty impacted activity.

The Australian Industry Index® returned a similar result to November in the December/January period, at -12.3 points (seasonally adjusted   ). 

Economic Intelligence newsletter

November 2025

In the November edition of Economic Intelligence we cover:

  • Resilience and regulation in Australian supply chains: This research note examines the impact of the latest US trade disruption on Australia’s supply chains, industry responses, and the role of regulation in shaping resilience.
  • Tracking Australian industry: Quarterly inflation rose as energy rebates ended; weak rebound in household spending; business turnover recovered in September; low productivity is weighing on Australia’s economy; tight labour market and high wages are pushing up costs; gender-based barriers to workforce participation
  • Economic Forecasts: RBA forecasts indicate Australian growth will moderate, with inflation pressures persisting amid weaker household demand, subdued investment, and global trade uncertainties.

 

Detailed Index Data

Our reports and time series data for the Ai Group Australian Industry Index® are available free of charge to members at any time via email from our economics research team economics@australianindustrygroup.com.au. Our data is available to non-members on an annual subscription basis or a one-off purchase. Our data subscribers receive the report and time series data for the activity index, sector and selected states via email each month.

Email us to find out more about purchasing data

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Australian Industry Group is the peak membership body for Australian industry, linking you to the insights, services and expertise you need to be successful. As a member of Australian Industry Group, you are part of a powerful, credible and experienced industry community.