The S&P Global UK Manufacturing PMI edged up to 51.9 in September 2026 from 51.7 in August, broadly matching both the flash estimate and market expectations. The latest reading signaled an expansion in manufacturing activity for the 11th consecutive month, although the pace of growth moderated slightly toward the end of the third quarter.
Output continued to rise as firms responded to growing inflows of new orders, with demand strengthening across both domestic and overseas markets. New business volumes increased for the 10th month in a row.
Manufacturers remained broadly optimistic, with almost half of surveyed firms expecting output to rise over the next year. Sentiment was underpinned by planned business expansions, upcoming product launches, expectations of improving market confidence and ongoing or planned investment projects.
However, geopolitical uncertainty persisted as a headwind. Supply chains came under renewed pressure, with longer delivery times contributing to higher input costs. Purchasing prices and transport expenses rose, in part due to increased diesel prices.
