The S&P Global Australia Manufacturing PMI for October 2026 was revised slightly down to 49.6 from a preliminary estimate of 49.7, matching September’s 21‑month low of 49.6. This marked a second consecutive month of contraction in the manufacturing sector.
New orders declined at their fastest rate since December 2024, driving a marked reduction in output. Overseas demand also fell for another month, though the pace of decline eased somewhat. In line with weaker new orders, purchasing activity continued to contract, while delivery times deteriorated further.
On the pricing side, input cost inflation quickened, reflecting higher energy, raw material, supplier, and shipping costs. In turn, firms raised output prices for the first time in five months as they passed on a portion of their increased cost burden to customers.
Looking ahead, business sentiment remained in positive territory but stayed below its long-run average.
