Australia - PMI manufacturero

The AIG Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index fell to 48.1 in November 2019 from 51.6 in the previous month. The latest reading pointed to the sharpest contraction in factory since August 2016, as new orders dropped further suggesting a weak Christmas period ahead. Still, some manufacturing sectors recorded better conditions than others, with food and beverage sector continuing to report buoyant condition.

The AIG Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index declined 3.1 points from the previous month to 51.6 in October 2019, the lowest in three months. It was the fourth consecutive month of expansion, despite the new orders subindex dropping nearly 9 points to 48.3, after rising 3.8 points in the previous month. Within sectors, food & beverages stood well above average, whereas textiles remained well in contraction zone.

The AIG Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index went up 1.6 points from the previous month to 54.7 in September 2019, the highest since April. Further expansion was mainly driven by new orders (+3.8 points to 57.1) and employment (+6.2 points to 57.6). In contrast, both production (-3.4 points to 49.8) and sales (-4.8 points to 49.5) shrank, dragged by a decline in exports (-6.1 points to 49.6). On the price front, inflation for inputs rose 5.7 points to 71.9, whereas selling prices declined 3.8 to 48.9. Within sectors, food & beverages stood well above average, edging up 0.2 to 59.2; in contrast, textiles contracted further (-0.5 to 41.8).

The AIG Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index went up 1.8 points from the previous month to 53.1 in August 2019, the highest since April. Production and sales rose back into expansion in August after contracting in July; and exports and new orders grew at a faster pace. Meanwhile, the employment index indicated slower job growth. Demand from defence and mining projects lifted the machinery and equipment sector into expansion, but the metals sector and other heavy industrial manufacturers are still reporting tough trading conditions. The food & beverages sector is still growing but recorded its lowest monthly result since November 2016.

The AIG Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index climbed to 51.3 in July 2019 from 49.4 in the previous month, returning to expansion after falling into contraction in June for the first time in nearly three years. Growth was mainly driven by a 3.2-point climb in new orders (currently at 53.0) and employment (+3.1 points to 53.2). Also, exports rose 1.5 to 54.6, as strong overseas demand for Australian consumable manufacturing products such as food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, vitamins & cosmetics was reported. In contrast, production lost 3.6 points and fell to 48.3. On the price front, input costs declined 1.1 to 66.3 and selling prices edged down 0.4 to 49.2, while wages declined 2.8 to 56.9. Meantime, capacity utilization jumped 4.6 points to 81.3 percent.

The AIG Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index fell to 49.4 in June 2019 from 52.7 in the previous month. The latest reading pointed to the first contraction in the manufacturing sector since August 2016, as supplier deliveries (down 6.5 points to 47.1), new orders (down 2.5 points to 49.8) and finished inventories (down 6.8 points to 44) fell into negative territory. Additionally, employment (down 5.5 points to 50.1) and sales (down 0.8 points to 50.8) dropped. On the other hand, production (up 0.7 points to 51.9) and exports (up 2.8 points to 53.1) rose. Metals and machinery & equipment respondents continue to report weak conditions.