UK Manufacturing Output Rebounds More Than Expected

Manufacturing production in the UK grew by 0.9% month-on-month in July 2026, surpassing market expectations for a 0.2% rise and rebounding from a 0.5% fall in June. Output increased in eight of the thirteen manufacturing subsectors, with the largest positive contribution coming from the manufacture of computer, electronics and optical products (5.2% vs -0.9% in June), followed by basic metals (2.8% vs -2.8%), coke and refined petroleum products (1.2% vs 0.4%), and food products, beverages and tobacco (0.9% vs 1.0%). In contrast, production declined mainly for rubber and plastic products and non-metallic mineral products (-3.0% vs 0.4%), machinery and equipment not elsewhere classified (-1.5% vs -0.1%), and wood and paper products and printing (-1.2% vs -1.3%). On an annual basis, manufacturing activity increased by 2.6% in July, the fastest rise since March 2024, above forecasts of 2% and accelerating from a 0.5% gain in the preceding period.

Manufacturing production in the UK fell 0.5% month-on-month in June 2026, worse than market expectations and May's downwardly revised 0.2% drop. Output contracted in seven of the thirteen manufacturing subsectors, with the largest negative contributions coming from the manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products and preparations (-5.1% vs 0.2% in May), alongside computer, electronic and optical products (-0.9% vs 2.1%), and machinery and equipment not elsewhere classified (-0.1% vs 3.4%). Meanwhile, production rebounded in the manufacture of food products, beverages and tobacco (1.0% vs -0.1%), coke and refined petroleum products (0.4% vs -1.0%), rubber and plastic products and non-metallic mineral products (0.4% vs -1.9%), and other manufacturing and repair activities (3.2% vs -1.4%). On an annual basis, manufacturing output growth slowed to a four-month low of 0.5% from a downwardly revised 2.0% in May, falling short of market expectations for a 1.2% increase.

Manufacturing production in the UK edged up by 0.1% month-over-month in May 2026, defying market expectations for a 0.2% decline but slowing from an upwardly revised 0.5% increase in the previous month. Output increased in seven of the thirteen manufacturing subsectors, led by gains in machinery and equipment (5.3% vs 0.7% in April), followed by computer, electronic and optical products (2.1% vs -0.1%), electrical equipment (1.3% vs -4.5%), and chemicals and chemical products (0.7% vs -1.3%). In contrast, the largest decline was recorded for basic metal and metal products (-2.7% vs 2.4%). Production was also lower for rubber and plastic products and non-metallic mineral products (-1.6% vs 1.3%) and other manufacturing and repair (-1.5% vs 0.3%). On an annual basis, manufacturing activity rose 2.3% in May, exceeding forecasts of a 1.9% increase and accelerating from a 1.0% rise in April. It marked the strongest growth since March 2024.