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Fastest Declining Industries in Australia by Revenue Growth (%) in 2026

  • 1. Factory and Industrial Building Construction in Australia

    2026 Revenue Growth: -18.9%

    The Factory and Industrial Building Construction industry constructs buildings ranging from simple tilt-wall warehouse spaces to sophisticated purpose-built laboratories with high security and humidity-controlled environments. Revenue is responsive to trends from several segments of the economy, including manufacturing, wholesaling, mining and agriculture. Much of the surge in the industry’s performance in recent years has come from constructing warehousing and distribution facilities to meet...

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  • 2. Fossil Fuel Electricity Generation in Australia

    2026 Revenue Growth: -15.3%

    Fossil fuel generators have historically supplied most of Australia's electricity, as coal is the central fuel powering the country. Large, centralised coal-fired power stations have long been the basis for electricity generation in Australia. However, climate change radically shifts this dynamic, providing the impetus for a transition away from fossil fuels. In the medium to long term, this trend presents an ongoing threat to the future of fossil fuels in the electricity supply chain.

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  • 3. Nut, Bolt, Screw and Rivet Manufacturing in Australia

    2026 Revenue Growth: -14.5%

    The Nut, Bolt, Screw and Rivet Manufacturing industry has experienced mixed conditions over the past five years, facing pressure from weak construction demand, rising import penetration and tightening profit margins. Defence-linked growth opportunities have partly offset these challenges. The industry relies heavily on consistent demand from the construction sector. Although revenue saw a brief lift in 2022-23 following a post-pandemic rebound in construction activity, ongoing labour shortage...

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  • 4. Coal Seam Gas Extraction in Australia

    2026 Revenue Growth: -14.0%

    ...

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  • 5. Petroleum Refining and Petroleum Fuel Manufacturing in Australia

    2026 Revenue Growth: -13.1%

    The Petroleum Refining and Petroleum Fuel Manufacturing industry has faced highly volatile conditions over recent years, as the pandemic wreaked turmoil on global energy supply chains. The global situation filtered down to Australia's petroleum market, contributing to the closure of two of Australia's last four remaining oil refineries. BP closed its refinery in Kwinana, while ExxonMobil shut down the Altona refinery. Both the closed refineries were converted into import terminals, directly i...

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  • 6. Road and Bridge Construction in Australia

    2026 Revenue Growth: -12.6%

    Leading construction companies have ridden an unprecedented wave of road construction activity thanks to record investment in mega projects, like the WestConnex motorway in Sydney and the West Gate Tunnel in Melbourne. An injection of public funding and progress on landmark public-private partnership (PPP) developments has lifted the industry to new heights, mainly benefiting the prominent contractors participating in strategic joint ventures and on PPP-funded developments, including CPB Cont...

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  • 7. Liquefied Natural Gas Production in Australia

    2026 Revenue Growth: -11.6%

    ...

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  • 8. Nickel Ore Mining in Australia

    2026 Revenue Growth: -10.6%

    Nickel ore miners faced mostly positive operating conditions over the past decade, with strong pricing growth over most of the period amid rising global demand for nickel. However, in 2023-24, oversupply in the global market prompted a sharp price downturn, forcing smaller nickel ore miners like Wyloo and Panoramic Resources to cease and suspend operations. The Federal Government reacted to weak nickel ore prices and these closures by providing relief through tax credits and subsidies, adding...

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  • 9. Coal Mining in Australia

    2026 Revenue Growth: -9.8%

    Coal is a key input in steelmaking and energy generation. Although coal deposits are found all over the world, Australia is one of the world's lowest-cost producers and a major coal exporter. Domestic reserves exceed domestic demand, are high grade and are economical to access. As a result, exports account for a large share of coal mining revenue. Imports are negligible, as local production is higher than domestic demand for coal. Black coal mining accounts for most activity, with some brown ...

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  • 10. Commercial and Industrial Building Construction in Australia

    2026 Revenue Growth: -9.7%

    The Commercial and Industrial Building Construction industry’s performance depends on the fundamental drivers of the Australian economy, including growth in the labour force, the number of businesses and consumer spending. Recent shocks to the industry’s performance have included the uncertainty that accompanied the COVID-19 outbreak and the reconstruction effort following the devastating east coast floods in 2022 and early 2025. Pandemic restrictions contributed to a dip in commercial and in...

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More Industry Trends in Australia

Industries with Riskiest Business Environments in 2026

Based on the expert analysis and our database of 750+ AU industries, IBISWorld presents a list of the Fastest Declining Industries in Australia by Revenue Growth (%) in 2026

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Industries with Least Riskiest Business Environments in 2026

Based on the expert analysis and our database of 750+ AU industries, IBISWorld presents a list of the Fastest Declining Industries in Australia by Revenue Growth (%) in 2026

VIEW ARTICLE

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