Industry growth trends across Australia and New Zealand

Economic conditions remain challenging, but growth isn’t happening evenly. Experian data highlights where momentum is building and what suppliers may want to keep on their radar.

Businesses across Australia and New Zealand continue to operate in a challenging environment.

In Australia, unemployment increased to 4.7% in September and the RBA raised the cash rate to 4.60%. Business confidence has also weakened, with almost half of businesses saying now is a bad time to invest.

But the picture isn’t the same across every industry.

Experian’s October 2026 Business Pulse Monthly highlights several sectors where growth is continuing despite the broader uncertainty. For suppliers looking for new business opportunities, these trends can provide useful context when considering which industries and markets to explore.

How does Experian measure industry growth?

Experian’s Growth Index uses Trade Bureau business-to-business payment data and Spend Analytics consumer spending data to provide a measure of business performance.

It provides both a one-year and three-year view of growth, with industries grouped into five bands:

So, where is the momentum?

Australia: digital, healthcare and professional services stand out

Across Australia, the one-year Growth Index was higher than the three-year measure for most sectors, pointing to stronger recent momentum across much of the economy. Media and Telecommunications and Education and Training recorded the highest broad-sector one-year scores at 118, followed by Professional & Technical Services at 115.

New Zealand: construction leads the way

New Zealand presents a more mixed picture.

Construction recorded the country’s highest broad-sector one-year Growth Index at 110, followed by Professional & Technical Services at 108 and Rental & Real Estate Services at 107. Within construction, the differences are even more pronounced.

What this means for suppliers: The October 2026 Growth Index indicates momentum in parts of New Zealand’s construction sector, particularly across land development and infrastructure-related activity. For businesses supplying into these areas, it may be worth keeping these sectors on your radar.

Growth and risk can exist at the same time

For suppliers, stronger industry growth is only part of the picture.

Australia recorded 1,222 company insolvencies in September. Construction insolvencies were 28% higher year-on-year, while Manufacturing, Professional Services and Transport & Warehousing were each 18% higher than in September the previous year.

Experian’s Commercial Risk Barometer also increased for a second consecutive month in September.

The takeaway is an important one: industry growth doesn’t remove the need to assess individual opportunities carefully. When pursuing new customers or contracts, consider the commercial conditions alongside the potential opportunity.

What could this mean for suppliers?

Industry data can help add another layer of context when you’re deciding where to focus your business development activity.

1. Review the industries you target
   If your products or services can support several sectors, consider whether emerging areas of growth could broaden the markets you monitor.
2. Think beyond the headline industry
   Growth can extend through a wider supply chain. Healthcare, for example, encompasses manufacturing, wholesale distribution, diagnostics, medical services, care and other supporting services.
3. Keep your TenderLink profile and categories up to date
   Review the categories and regions relevant to your business so they’re aligned with the types of opportunities you want to find.
4. Balance opportunity with commercial awareness
   A growing industry isn’t necessarily a low-risk industry. Consider each opportunity and prospective customer on its own merits rather than relying on broader sector performance alone.

Keep an eye on where opportunities are emerging

Market conditions will continue to change, but understanding which industries are showing momentum can give suppliers another useful perspective when deciding where to focus.

Explore the full Experian Business Pulse Monthly, October 2026 for more insight into the economic and industry trends shaping Australia and New Zealand.

Interested in finding out more?
Have a chat to our friendly team on 1800 233 533 (AU) / 0800 698 363 (NZ) or ask us here.

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