Australia has a history of successful manufacturing across several industries, where certain products have stood out due to innovation, resource availability, and strategic market positioning. Below are examples of such products and the factors contributing to their success:

In 2024, several Australian manufacturers have faced closures due to a combination of economic pressures and competitive challenges:

The three key areas of Australian manufacturing are:

The financial distress among builders in Victoria is closely linked to challenges within the Australian manufacturing industry, particularly in the supply of construction materials. Key factors include:

As of recent data, Australia ranks 15th globally in manufacturing output, contributing approximately $91.3 billion to the world's manufacturing value.

World Metrics

This positions Australia behind leading manufacturing nations such as China, the United States, Japan, and Germany. Notably, Australia's manufacturing sector accounts for about 5.39% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is below the global average of 12.87%.

Australia is actively developing its battery manufacturing industry to support renewable energy integration and enhance energy security.

National Battery Strategy

Australia's manufacturing sector has experienced significant changes over recent decades, marked by both challenges and opportunities.

Historical Context

In the 1960s, manufacturing contributed approximately 25% to Australia's GDP. However, by 2023, this figure had declined to around 5%, reflecting a broader trend of deindustrialization. Factors such as globalization, competition from low-cost imports, and a shift towards a service-based economy have influenced this decline.