Outlook remains healthy for UK manufacturers says CBI survey

Expectations for manufacturing output growth in the next three months are strong, despite an easing of pace over the past quarter, according to the latest CBI Industrial Trends Survey.

While nine sectors surveyed reported that the pace of growth had slowed in the past three months, sixteen sectors anticipate growth over the coming quarter.

The survey of 414 manufacturers also found that total order books strengthened in August, returning to the robust level seen in June and becoming more broad-based across sectors. Export order books also recovered after a dip, though they still lag behind total orders.

“The outlook for UK manufacturers remains healthy, with both total and export orders firming up. Despite a dip in the pace of output growth, companies expect a strong pick-up in the next three months,” said Katja Hall, CBI Deputy Director-General.

“But with growth flat at best in the Eurozone and Sterling having risen in recent months, there are still some headwinds to export demand. We need more manufacturers exporting to high-growth markets, which will help to put the recovery onto a more balanced, sustainable footing.”

Stock adequacy was at its highest for a year, possibly driven by the expectation that output will rise more strongly over the next quarter. In the three months ahead, output prices are expected to be flat.