page 1 of 12 sector highlight manufacturing latest developments beyond singapore australian growth slowed in october on weak exports and mixed domestic demand due to marginally weaker export intense import competition australia s activity 2006 the industry group pricewaterhousecoopers performance index pmi fell 6 points a reading 51 9 following moderate rise 4 september production new orders employment supplier deliveries all eased also moderated given ongoing pressures international competitiveness from dollar rising costs while input rose at slightly faster rate difficult conditions that require commitment innovation efficiencies aspects global engagement must remain an important focus for manufacturers adjusted terms seven out sectors reported expansions down nine was across consumer industrial construction related strongest basic metal material products textiles paper printing publishing increases but moderately
