New Zealand manufacturers report flat sales and low inventory

New Zealand's small and medium manufacturers reported flat sales and low inventory in the final quarter of 2024, according to Unleashed's Manufacturing Health Index. This follows a trend of cautious stock management amid a recession and potential tariffs on trade. Manufacturing sales revenues fell 35 percent to an average of $171,863 per firm compared to the previous year. Overall, manufacturers sold 16 percent less in 2024 than in 2023, with only clothing and accessories showing a sales increase of 28 percent in Q4. Purchase orders dropped significantly, down 31 percent in Q4, except for energy and chemicals, which saw a smaller decline of 8.5 percent.