BusinessNZ Manufacturing Overview

Manufacturing Sector Shows Significant Growth

For several months, we have emphasized the importance of seeing stronger results from the Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) to align with our economic outlook. A rebound in the PMI would also reinforce our confidence that the GDP increase observed in the third quarter of last year—confirmed just before the holiday season—can be maintained moving forward.

Against this backdrop, the notable improvement in the PMI for December is a positive development. The index climbed to 56.1, up from 51.7 in November. This marks not only the highest monthly reading for 2025 so far but also surpasses the long-term average of 52.5. In fact, this is the most robust PMI performance seen in quite some time.