- Prior 50.6
Key details:
- New export orders rise for first time in four years
- Business optimism at highest level since before 2024 Autumn budget
Comment:
Rob Dobson, Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence
“UK manufacturing made a solid start to 2026, showing encouraging resilience in the face of rising geopolitical tensions. Rates of output and order book growth accelerated, while new export business rose for the first time in four years, with Europe, China and the US the main recipients.
"There was also a positive bounceback in business confidence, which rose to its highest level since before the 2024 Autumn budget, as manufacturers focussed on opportunities lying ahead despite persistent concerns about the geopolitical environment, Government policy and tariff tensions.
"There was also encouraging news on the jobs front. Although the strongest rise in new business for almost four years was insufficient to fully quell reductions to staff headcounts, the rate of cutting slowed to its weakest since job losses started 15 months ago. Cost pressures are creeping higher though, as the pass through of the increased Minimum Wage and employer NI contributions continue to work through the supply chain alongside the rising costs for commodities such as metals.”
