Australian manufacturing experiences “surprising” rebound in March PMI
The manufacturing sector ended four months of contraction in March, according to the Australian Industry Group’s Performance of Manufacturing Index.
New OECD estimates suggest a 22% hit to Australia’s economy
New Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development estimates paint a grim picture of the direct economic costs of public health measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, and the need for more government support to cushion the blow.
How China’s Economy Offers a Glimpse of Australia’s Future – infographic
China, once the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic, appears to be turning a corner with daily life slowly returning to normal. However, economic data from the first two months of the year shows the damage done to the country’s finances. Today’s visualisation outlines the sharp losses China’s economy has experienced, and how this may foreshadow…
Taking US oil in a global crisis sounds good on paper, but it won’t do much for Australia’s energy security
By Christian Downie, Australian Research Council DECRA Fellow, Australian National University The federal government this week signed a deal with the US to access their oil reserves should global supplies be disrupted and we eat into our meagre reserve. Oil security is a hot topic in Australia – we consume more than a decade ago, produce…
Virus fears drive export boom for Australian hand sanitiser manufacturer
Hand sanitiser orders are exploding for a South Australian manufacturer as the threat of coronavirus empties supermarket shelves of the product around the world.
Defence companies vie for slice of $35 billion Australian frigate pie
Detailed planning for Australia’s Hunter Class Frigate Program is well underway as local companies vie for a slice of the $35 billion project.
Australian metal detector company strikes gold with record profit
South Australian technology company Codan Limited has announced a record half-year profit of $30.4 million on the back of booming sales of its hi-tech metal detecting and communications equipment.
Vale Holden: how America’s General Motors sold us the Australian dream
Jack Fahey, La Trobe University General Motors has announced the Holden brand will be “retired” in 2021. This week’s announcement has been a long time coming. The Holden brand has been in a state of terminal decline since General Motors ceased local manufacturing in October 2017. A once-dominant presence in the everyday life of Australians,…
Why Australians fell out of love with Holdens
Monday’s announcement from General Motors, Holden’s US parent, that the brand brand will be “retired” and local design and engineering operations cease is doubtless based on strong financial reasoning, but poor brand management is also part of it.
Wine exports soar with Australia pipping France in China market
At least one area of value-adding exports are booming – premium wines. Figures from Wine Australia showed the total value of Australian wine exports grew by three per cent to $2.91 billion in the 12 months to December 2019. The good news is that exports of higher valued wines – those above $10 per litre…