New Zealand's Business NZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) registered a substantial increase for December 2025, surging to a robust 56.1, as revealed in the latest release on January 15, 2026. This marks a significant jump from the previous reading of 51.4 recorded in November 2025 and suggests a marked improvement in the manufacturing sector’s health and broader economic activity.
The PMI, a vital indicator of manufacturing sector performance, signals expansion when above the crucial 50.0 threshold. December's strong figures underscore a return of positive business sentiment and production growth within the country, indicating an uptick in domestic demand and possibly reflecting more optimistic global economic conditions.
Analysts will be watching closely the next set of data updates to see if this encouraging trend continues. The latest figures provide New Zealand businesses and investors a reason for optimism as they navigate the evolving economic landscape in the new year. Further sustained improvements in the manufacturing sector could bode well for the nation's economic trajectory for 2026.
