New Zealand’s manufacturing sector posted a strong rebound in the first quarter of 2026, with sales volumes rising 3.6% quarter-over-quarter, according to data updated on 8 June 2026. This marks a sharp turnaround from the fourth quarter of 2025, when manufacturing sales had fallen 0.5% compared with the previous quarter.
The latest figures show that the sector has moved from contraction to expansion on a quarter-over-quarter basis. The “actual” reading of 3.6% for Q1 2026 compares the change in the current quarter to the previous one, while the prior -0.5% figure for Q4 2025 measured the change relative to the third quarter of 2025.
The shift into positive territory suggests a notable improvement in manufacturing activity early in 2026, potentially signaling recovering demand and stronger momentum in one of New Zealand’s key industrial segments.