UK manufacturing output declined by 0.5% month-on-month in June 2026, a weaker result than both market expectations and May’s downwardly revised 0.2% fall. Production contracted in seven of the thirteen manufacturing subsectors, with the largest negative contributions coming from basic pharmaceutical products and preparations (-5.1% vs 0.2% in May), computer, electronic and optical products (-0.9% vs 2.1%), and machinery and equipment not elsewhere classified (-0.1% vs 3.4%).
In contrast, several categories posted gains. Output 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 eased to 0.5%—a four-month low—from a downwardly revised 2.0% in May, undershooting market expectations for a 1.2% increase.
