BNZ – BusinessNZ
Performance of
Manufacturing
Index

Back in black – PMI

15 Nov, 2019
52.6
October
+3.8

Monthly Change

expanding
faster rate

New Zealand’s manufacturing sector displayed expansion for the first time since June, according to the latest BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI).

The seasonally adjusted PMI for October was 52.6 (a PMI reading above 50.0 indicates that manufacturing is generally expanding; below 50.0 that it is declining).  This was the highest level of activity since April 2019.

BusinessNZ’s executive director for manufacturing Catherine Beard said that the October result was a welcome change from three consecutive months in contraction.

“The sub-index of new orders (56.2) continued its recovery to record its highest value since May 2018, while production (52.6) produced its highest result since February 2019.  Employment (50.2) was all but unchanged from the previous month, while finished stocks (48.5) was the only sub-index to remain in contraction for October, as well as at its lowest level since February 2014.

“After a five month period of both lacklustre and negative growth, the pick-up in both new orders and production put the sector back on track.  If the remaining two months for 2019 are to keep up the momentum, it is important these key sub-indexes remain positive to finish the year on a more upbeat note.  

Given the pick-up in activity, the proportion of positive comments for October (57.6%) was higher than September (48.8%).  A number mentioned seasonal factors influencing activity, as well as some outlining a general market increase.

BNZ Senior Economist, Doug Steel said that “the October PMI is hardly what you would call strong. But it is certainly much better than the previous three months where the index languished below 50 which indicated a sector going backwards”.

Catherine Beard

Catherine Beard

Director, Advocacy BusinessNZ

BNZ - BusinessNZ PMI

Time Series Data

View seasonally adjusted and unadjusted time series data for the BNZ - BusinessNZ PMI

Manufacturing Snapshot

Relief

October brought some much needed relief to the manufacturing sector with the Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) jumping back into expansion mode. There were widespread gains across various segments including regions, industries, and firm sizes.
Read more

Demand Improves

The new orders index rose strongly to its highest level in 18 months and has pushed above its long term average for the first time this year. And even with a decent pick up in production in the month, inventory reduction has quickened.
Read more

Buoyant Construction Activity

Construction activity is important for many manufacturers. So another push to higher highs for residential building consents bodes well for demand in the near future.
Read more

GDP Implications

October’s PMI outcome raises the prospect of the manufacturing sector’s recent negative influence on economic growth coming to an end in the final quarter of the year.
Read more

Doug Steel

Doug Steel

Senior Economist, BNZ

Sponsor Statement

BNZ is delighted to be associated with the Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) and BusinessNZ.

This association brings together the significant experience of leading business advocacy body BusinessNZ, and business finance specialist BNZ.

We look forward to continuing our association with BusinessNZ and associated regional organisations, and to playing our part in the ongoing development of the New Zealand manufacturing sector.

PMI Time Series Table

The results are seasonally adjusted.

National Indicies Oct
2018
Jun
2019
Jul
2019
Aug
2019
Sep
2019
Oct
2019
BNZ – BusinessNZ PMI 53.0 51.1 48.2 48.6 48.8 52.6
Production 51.7 51.1 51.0 49.6 46.6 52.6
Employment 52.5 47.7 42.2 50.1 50.1 50.2
New Orders 56.1 52.6 49.1 45.1 50.9 56.2
Finished Stocks 53.8 57.0 52.7 52.4 49.0 48.5
Deliveries 50.2 48.9 49.0 48.2 46.8 51.9

BNZ – BusinessNZ PMI Time Series

October 2020 – October 2024

International Results

J.P. Morgan Global Manufacturing PMITM

04 Nov 2019
49.8

About the PMI

The BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index is a monthly survey of the manufacturing sector providing an early indicator of activity levels.

A PMI reading above 50 points indicates manufacturing activity is expanding; below 50 indicates it is contracting.

The main PMI and sub-index results are seasonally adjusted.

Technical Contact

Stephen Summers
Economist, BusinessNZ

[email protected]

PMI Releases

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Activity in New Zealand’s manufacturing sector improved in January, but still remained in contraction, according to the latest BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI). The seasonally adjusted PMI for January was 47.3 (a PMI reading above 50.0...

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Activity in New Zealand’s manufacturing sector ended in further contraction, according to the latest BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI). The seasonally adjusted PMI for December was 43.1 (a PMI reading above 50.0 indicates that manufacturing is...

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Activity in New Zealand’s manufacturing sector improved during November, but still remained in contraction, according to the latest BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI). The seasonally adjusted PMI for November was 46.7 (a PMI reading above 50.0...

Downward spiral

Activity in New Zealand’s manufacturing sector dropped further during October, according to the latest BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI). The seasonally adjusted PMI for October was 42.5 (a PMI reading above 50.0 indicates that manufacturing is...

Our Contributors

The BNZ – BusinessNZ PMI contains data obtained through BusinessNZ’s regional organisations