UK Manufacturing Growth Eases to 3-Month Low

The UK Manufacturing PMI eased to 53.1 in June 2026, a three-month low and below expectations of 53.8, compared with 53.9 in May, flash data showed. Despite the decline, manufacturing output improved, with the index rising to 53.6, its highest level in 21 months, from 52.2 previously. The increase was supported by a temporary boost from customer stockpiling as businesses prepared for potential price increases. However, the slowdown in new order growth to a six-month low suggested that this demand boost may be fading. Manufacturing employment increased, although some firms said recent hiring was mainly a short-term response to stronger order books. Input price pressures eased, while higher selling prices largely reflected the pass-through of increased costs to customers. Supply chain conditions deteriorated again, with more manufacturers reporting longer delivery times than improvements, although the pace of disruption was the weakest in three months.

The S&P Global UK Manufacturing PMI rose to 53.9 in May 2026 compared with initial estimates and April’s 53.7, marking the strongest expansion since May 2022. Output grew at a three-month high, led by intermediate and investment goods, while new orders rose for a sixth straight month on stronger domestic and export demand. However, momentum showed signs of fragility as firms reported front-loading of orders amid concerns over future price rises and supply disruptions. Supply chains remained under pressure, with vendor delivery times lengthening sharply due to shipping delays and geopolitical tensions affecting key routes. Purchasing increased for a second month, lifting input stocks at the fastest pace since July 2022. Input cost inflation climbed to a near four-year high, driven by higher energy, metals, chemicals, alongside tariffs, taxes, and labour costs. Selling prices rose at the quickest rate since mid-2022. Looking ahead, business confidence improved to a three-month high.

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.