UK Manufacturing Growth Holds at Highest Since 2022

2026-05-21 08:38 By Joana Ferreira 1 min. read

The S&P Global UK Manufacturing PMI held steady at 53.7 in May 2026, unchanged from April and well above market expectations of 53, according to preliminary data.

The reading matched the highest level since May 2022, with production growth accelerating to a three-month high amid sustained demand growth.

Manufacturers reported increased activity from client pre-purchasing and stock-building, as well as elevated demand from data center rollouts.

However, concerns about rising political and economic uncertainty persisted.

Employment continued to decline, while inflationary pressures remained elevated and supply chains faced further disruptions from international shipping delays.

The rate of stock accumulation hit its fastest pace since July 2022, with finished goods inventories also rising at an accelerated rate due to a build-up of pre-production stocks amid concerns over input costs and raw material availability.

Still, business confidence improved slightly.



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UK Manufacturing Growth Holds at Highest Since 2022
The S&P Global UK Manufacturing PMI held steady at 53.7 in May 2026, unchanged from April and well above market expectations of 53, according to preliminary data. The reading matched the highest level since May 2022, with production growth accelerating to a three-month high amid sustained demand growth. Manufacturers reported increased activity from client pre-purchasing and stock-building, as well as elevated demand from data center rollouts. However, concerns about rising political and economic uncertainty persisted. Employment continued to decline, while inflationary pressures remained elevated and supply chains faced further disruptions from international shipping delays. The rate of stock accumulation hit its fastest pace since July 2022, with finished goods inventories also rising at an accelerated rate due to a build-up of pre-production stocks amid concerns over input costs and raw material availability. Still, business confidence improved slightly.
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UK Manufacturing PMI Revised Slightly Higher
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