Ai Group Australian Industry Index®

The Ai Group Australian Industry Index® is representative of the modern industrial ecosystem. It brings together the manufacturing, construction, engineering, technology and business services sectors – industries which together account for 36% of the Australian economy.

Recognising the heritage and importance of the Australian PMI® and Australia PCI®, both will continue as sub-indicators available within the Ai Group Australian Industry Index®, however, there will no longer be separate release dates for these indexes.

The Ai Group Australian Industry Index® is regularly published on the first working Wednesday of each month (or the following working day if the Wednesday is a national holiday): Australian Industry Index release dates 2025


March 2025: Uncertainty hits industry in March

Key findings

  • The Australian Industry Index® fell slightly by 3.1 points to -22.2 seasonally adjusted in March.
  • Uncertainty factors – particularly disruptions caused by US trade policies, forex volatility and the Australian federal election – are now affecting industrial markets and activity.
  • While cost pressures further ease the sales price indicator has fallen to neutral, indicating ongoing pressure on industrial margins.
  • Demand remained weak, as both new orders and activity indicators were affected by uncertainty factors.
  • Manufacturing and construction both performed poorly in March. While the construction indicator has improved since late 2024, manufacturing continues to point to entrenched contraction.

The Ai Group Australian Industry Index® declined by 3.1 points to
-22.2 points in March (seasonally adjusted). The index has indicated contraction for the last thirty-three months.

Economic Intelligence newsletter

March 2025

In the March edition of Economic Intelligence we cover:

  • Industrial energy transition – 2024 progress update: Our updated research note includes investment in Australia's energy systems, progress made towards achieving net zero, and the remaining steps needed to reach this goal.
  • Tracking Australian industry: Despite a moderate wage hike market sectors remained weak, investment slowed; household spending improved; the gender pay gap has narrowed, and weather continues to highly influence absenteeism.
  • Economic Forecasts: The Treasury forecasts Australian growth will pick up in 2025, headline inflation will fluctuate across 2025-2026, and wage growth will decline steadily throughout 2026.

Detailed Index Data

Our reports and time series data for the Ai Group Australian Industry Index® are available free of charge to Ai Group members at any time via email from our economics research team economics@aigroup.com.au. Our data are available to non-members on an annual subscription basis or a one-off purchase. Our data subscribers receive the report and time series data for the activity index, sector and selected states via email each month.

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The Australian Industry Group is the peak membership body for Australian industry, linking you to the insights, services and expertise you need to be successful. As a member of Ai Group, you are part of a powerful, credible and experienced industry community.