As we get to the end of 2018, we reflect on some mega-trends in manufacturing, such as the adoption of technology globally and who is winning the race, and we get some good insights into the R&D investment going on in China.

Great to see a small but significant change for the better in the BNZ-BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index. As BNZ Senior Economist, Doug Steel noted, "the improvement in the PMI is not large, but we see it as important to the broader economic narrative".

The 2018 ExportNZ DHL Export Barometer was released yesterday.

One of the most outstanding findings from this year's survey is that the number one barrier to exporting is concern over increasing costs in New Zealand due to the coming industrial regulation. Results show this is a major barrier for 32% of Kiwi exporters.

If you're an exporting manufacturer, or planning to be, come and join us at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland on 27th September for ExportNZ's biggest event of the year, Go Global!

Not such a great month last month according to the BNZ - BusinessNZ PMI, with BNZ Senior Economist Doug Steel indicating the results could be hinting at outright slow growth in the manufacturing sector.

Some useful events coming up over the next couple of months - from learning how emerging technologies - such as the Internet of Things, and Industry 4.0 - are changing manufacturing, to how Kiwi businesses can use such innovation and technologies to help them be globally competitive.

It's great to see the opportunities generated through innovation being injected into more traditional manufacturing practices - such as construction. Off-site and hi-tech manufacturing of homes is opening up a great opportunity for companies to make KiwiBuild homes. This could be a game changer for New Zealand according to Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford.

A brilliant result from the latest PMI, with the highest level of expansion since the beginning of the year. Positive comments typically noted a lift in construction, as well as a pick-up in offshore orders. See more below.

One of my favourite sayings is that Kiwi firms need to collaborate onshore to compete offshore.

One of the key aims of this e-newsletter is to bring you news you can use, which is why I'm really excited about a new online portal to help engineering companies to recruit, retain and grow their teams.