The UK’s total order book balance slumped to -38 in April 2026 from -27 in March, undershooting expectations of -30 and marking its weakest level since October 2025, according to the CBI. The figure now stands well below its long-term average of -14.
At the same time, expected price pressures surged to +32 from +12 in March, the steepest month-on-month increase since records began in 1975, reflecting the economic spillover effects of the war in Iran.
Business sentiment also deteriorated sharply: the CBI’s quarterly measure of optimism dropped to -65 in April from -19 in January. Investment intentions for buildings, machinery, and staff training fell as well, reaching their lowest levels since April 2020.
