New Zealand Private Sector Growth Eases

2026-08-16 23:01 By Chusnul Chotimah 1 min. read

The BusinessNZ Performance of Composite Index declined to 52.6 in July 2026 from an upwardly revised 53.8 in the previous month, which was the fastest expansion in six months.

It marked the second consecutive month of expansion in the private sector, though growth in both the services sector and manufacturing eased.

Manufacturing activity expanded despite continued pressure from high fuel prices, with all manufacturing sub-indices rising at a softer rate.

Meanwhile, the services sector recorded its second consecutive expansion, as three of the five sub-indices were in expansion territory, with new orders recording the strongest reading, although at a softer pace, followed by stocks, while sales rebounded.

By contrast, contractions were seen in supplier deliveries and employment.

The latest reading highlighted that cost-of-living pressures, fuel and petrol prices, and rising interest rates remain front of mind for many, with a number also citing uncertainty ahead of the election.



News Stream
New Zealand Private Sector Growth Eases
The BusinessNZ Performance of Composite Index declined to 52.6 in July 2026 from an upwardly revised 53.8 in the previous month, which was the fastest expansion in six months. It marked the second consecutive month of expansion in the private sector, though growth in both the services sector and manufacturing eased. Manufacturing activity expanded despite continued pressure from high fuel prices, with all manufacturing sub-indices rising at a softer rate. Meanwhile, the services sector recorded its second consecutive expansion, as three of the five sub-indices were in expansion territory, with new orders recording the strongest reading, although at a softer pace, followed by stocks, while sales rebounded. By contrast, contractions were seen in supplier deliveries and employment. The latest reading highlighted that cost-of-living pressures, fuel and petrol prices, and rising interest rates remain front of mind for many, with a number also citing uncertainty ahead of the election.
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New Zealand Private Sector Growth Rises to 6-Month High
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