The latest insolvency data from ASIC indicates a slight softening in insolvencies across the Australian market, including fewer insolvencies in July for the retail sector compared to the same month last year.
ASIC data shows first-time insolvencies in retail falling from 91 in July 2025 to 68 in July 2026. The July 2026 number is also below July 2024 when it was 78.
On the whole, across all industries combined, total first-time insolvency appointments dropped by 12.5 per cent between July 2026 and July 2025, hitting 1,211.
Construction still remains the industry leading with insolvency appointments as FY27 begins, followed by accommodation and food services, other services, and then retail trade.
When it comes to all appointments, including first-time, subsequent and transitional appointments, the same slight softening is seen again.
Across the whole, total insolvencies across all industries hit 1,642, which is down by 17.7 per cent year-on-year in July 2026.
Retail is also the fourth leading industry when it comes to total insolvencies in July 2026, which hit 99. This is on par with the transport, postal and warehousing sector, which also saw 99 total insolvency appointments in July 2026.
Retail’s total insolvencies in July 2026 were down from 133 recorded in July 2025, and is unchanged when compared to July 2024.