The Australian Industry Index remained in contraction during Dec/Jan at -12.3 (seasonally adjusted).

• Activity, employment, new orders, and input volumes contracted at the same rate as the previous month.
• Construction activity rose with strong project inquiries, with the PCI indicator returning to positive territory for the first time in two years.
• Metals and food industries posted stronger results during the holiday period, while machinery and chemicals reported seasonal slowdowns.
• Most sub industries noted that rising higher input costs, taxes, regulatory pressures, and economic uncertainty impacted activity.