With new data revealing stock levels are down 57% year-on-year, New Zealand manufacturers are entering the new financial year leaner, under more margin pressure, and with less buffer for error than at any point in recent years. However, a quarterly revenue rebound offers a cautious signal of stabilisation.

The data from inventory management software organisation Unleashed - drawn from anonymised records across New Zealand's manufacturers - shows that average Stock on Hand across all industries fell to $113,836.43 in Q2 2026, down 57% year-on-year from $264,910 in Q2 2025, and down a further 8% on the previous quarter, reflecting a sustained period of inventory reduction. Average sales revenue across all industries sat at $243,766 in Q2 2026, down 9% year-on-year from $268,093 in Q2 2025. 

However, the quarterly data shows a more encouraging trend: revenue rebounded strongly from $129,652.85 in Q1 2026, increasing 88% quarter-on-quarter, suggesting trading conditions may be stabilising heading into the new financial year. Average purchasing (PO value) across all industries was $170,706 in Q2 2026, down 38% year-on-year from $274,810 in Q2 2025, but up 11% on the previous quarter ($154,391). The quarterly uptick in purchasing, even as stock levels remain low, suggests some manufacturers are beginning to rebuild order books heading into the second half of the year. For businesses with accurate reorder points and real-time visibility, this is a manageable transition. For those on spreadsheets, it is the moment when errors are most likely to occur.