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


October 2026: Manufacturing on the front line of inflation crisis

Key findings

  • The Australian Industry Index® rose 6.4 points in October to -19.1 (seasonally adjusted).
  • The activity, employment, new orders and input indicators improved slightly this month, but continued to reflect weak business conditions.
  • Cost pressures increased further as the initial impact of higher fuel prices is now passing along supply chains. Weak market conditions mean industry is unable to fully pass these costs on, placing mounting pressure on margins.
  • Manufacturing is highly impacted by rising costs and shows no sign of recovery yet. Downstream manufacturers are especially impacted as they are also feeling the effects of a weakening consumer economy.
  • Business services and construction improved in October compared to September but remained weak by historical comparison.

Economic Intelligence newsletter

October 2026

In the October edition of Economic Intelligence we cover:

  • The contribution of recent migrants to Australia’s workforce: This research note explores the contribution of recent migrants to the Australian labour market by examining their labour force participation, occupational distribution, industry representation, educational attainment and migration pathways.
  • Tracking Australian industry: Inflation broadens as rate pressures persist, signs of easing in the labour market, manufacturing margins weaken amid cost pressures, wages remain elevated despite easing growth, job vacancies continued to decline and cost pressures remained concentrated in energy-intensive industries.
  • Economic Forecasts: IMF forecasts Australia's economic growth will remain subdued in the near future amid persistent global uncertainty, elevated inflation and volatile commodity prices.

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Detailed Index Data

Our reports and time series data for the Australian Industry 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.

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The Workplace Advice Line is Australian Industry Group’s national telephone advisory service for members’ on-the-spot workplace-related questions. 

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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.