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New Zealand Manufacturing Soars to Highest Level Since 2021

1/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

New Zealand's manufacturing activity reached its highest level since 2021 as the BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) rose 4.4 points to 56.1 in December.
The PMI thus sits above the survey's long-run average of 52.5 since its inception.
The uptick follows aggressive interest rate cuts implemented since mid-2024, indicating the measures are beginning to take effect.

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Story summary

New Zealand's manufacturing activity reached its highest level since 2021 as the BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) rose 4.4 points to 56.1 in December.
The PMI thus sits above the survey's long-run average of 52.5 since its inception.
The uptick follows aggressive interest rate cuts implemented since mid-2024, indicating the measures are beginning to take effect.