Australia’s manufacturing downturn intensified in July, with the AIG Manufacturing Index sliding to -19.6, down from -16.8 in June 2026. The latest reading, updated on 4 August 2026, underscores persistent weakness across the sector as conditions deteriorated further month-on-month.
The move deeper into negative territory signals a sharper contraction in activity, suggesting that manufacturers are facing mounting headwinds through mid‑2026. The back‑to‑back declines from June to July highlight ongoing pressure on output and sentiment within Australia’s industrial base, raising concerns over the broader economic momentum heading into the second half of the year.
