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


May 2026: Energy uncertainty weighs on new orders

Key findings

  • The Australian Industry Index® continued to signal weakness in July, holding steady at -29.9 (seasonally adjusted).
  • Pricing indicators stabilised after three months of very high scores driven by energy prices. This reflects recent easing in global energy markets, but sees energy and industrial prices remain at a structurally elevated level.
  • The contraction in activity and new orders stabilised in the month, but the employment indicator fell again. This reflects the lag between the initial impact of the energy crisis and its effects on employment levels.
  • Manufacturing remained weak, with energy-crisis exposed upstream subsectors under the greatest pressure. Construction activity is also subdued due to both energy and consumer spending pressures.
  • Uncertainty – particularly over energy and industrial prices – remains the greatest risk from the crisis. With global energy prices rising again in late July, uncertainty risks are increasing and likely to weigh again in August.

Economic Intelligence newsletter

July 2026

In the July edition of Economic Intelligence we cover:

  • How Australia’s ageing workforce is reshaping the labour market: This research note explores the ageing workforce and its implications for labour supply, skills availability, and workforce participation across industries and occupations.
  • Tracking Australian industry: Inflation is moderating but risks remain; energy supply conditions have yet to fully normalise; fuel prices decline, while diesel costs continue to pose challenges; businesses continue to face mounting cost pressures; labour market constraints are gradually easing but remain tight; and compensation costs across Australia rose.
  • Economic Forecasts: The IMF forecasts Australia will face a softer growth outlook than many of its peers, with ongoing tensions in the Middle East likely to place upward pressure on inflation and interest rates.

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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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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.