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


August 2025: New financial year boost stalls in August

Key findings

  • The Australian Industry Index® fell by 7.9 points to -13.9 seasonally adjusted in August, falling back from last month’s peak.
  • Activity declined in August, with sales, employment, new orders and input indicators all shedding gains from a new financial year boost which occurred in July.
  • Construction continues its recovery with the PCI indicator returning to positive territory. Business services had a weak month while manufacturing remains deep in contraction.
  • The sales price indicator has begun to rise, indicating industrials are regaining the ability to pass rising costs onto customers.
  • Softening employment and wages indicators point to further easing in the labour market, offering some relief for industrial employers.

Economic Intelligence newsletter

August 2025

In the August edition of Economic Intelligence we cover:

  • The productivity burdens of Australia’s dysfunctional labour market: This research note identifies and examines six areas where the Australian labour market has become increasingly dysfunctional since the pandemic.
  • Tracking Australian industry: Traded goods ease inflation burden; spending momentum led by recreation; weak investment slows productivity growth; weighed down by rising energy costs; youth unemployment signals fragile labour market; sustainable wages require productivity gains.
  • Q&A with AustralianSuper: The Investment Team at AustralianSuper discuss what’s driving investment markets.
  • Economic Forecasts: RBA forecasts Australian growth is expected to recover at a slower pace, with inflation risks persisting due to ongoing uncertainties, commodity markets, trade tensions, and supply chain dynamics.

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.