Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Manufacturing growth slows in February as S&P Global PMI signals softer expansion

Australia’s manufacturing sector remained in expansion in February, but growth lost momentum as new orders slowed and output edged into contraction, according to the latest Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI®) data released by S&P Global.

China manufacturing continues expansion streak amid price pressures

China’s manufacturing sector continued to grow in March 2026, even as it faced steep increases in input costs and longer delivery times from suppliers.

Australian job vacancies ease in February but remain high historically

Australia's job vacancies dropped in the three months leading up to February, the third consecutive quarter of decline, but figures remain significantly higher than levels prior to the pandemic, indicating a competitive labour market, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data.

Quickstep teams up with ST Engineering to serve Australasian nacelle market

Quickstep, a leading aerospace composite business in Australia, has partnered with ST Engineering’s Commercial Aerospace business to deliver nacelle maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) across the complete range of Boeing and Airbus commercial aircraft in the Australasian market. 

Toyota Hilux to get 48V technology in 2024 with 10% better fuel economy

Toyota Australia is set to offer approximately 10 per cent fuel economy improvement for certain HiLux models, compared to the current 2.8-litre turbo diesel variants, when upgraded versions fitted with 48-volt technology arrive in the first half of 2024.

Eurozone manufacturing PMI at 48.5 in February

The euro area manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) stood at 48.5 in February, falling slightly from 48.8 in January, while the manufacturing output index nudged above the neutral mark to reach 50.1, up from 48.9 in January.

RWC signs $160M acquisition of Holman Industries

Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC) has agreed to acquire Holman Industries, a leading manufacturer and distributor of branded plumbing and watering products in Australia, for $160 million. 

Digital twin platform developer Pointerra signs partnership to enter Middle East market

Australian AI technology company Pointerra Limited has signed a reseller agreement with digital systems integration company eSolutions to distribute the Pointerra 3D Digital Twin Platform in the Middle East Region. 

Australian manufacturing shows greater stability in July, S&P Global Flash PMI finds

Australia's manufacturing sector showed further signs of stabilisation in July as the country's private sector recorded stronger growth, with renewed demand supporting output, hiring and business activity, according to the latest flash Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data released by S&P Global.

Manufacturing growth accelerates in January as output, orders and hiring strengthen, S&P Global says

Australia’s manufacturing sector recorded faster growth in January, with manufacturing output and new orders rising at quicker paces, according to the latest Purchasing Managers’ Index data from S&P Global.
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