Manufacturing output in the UK rose by 0.4% month-on-month in April 2026, defying market expectations of a 0.2% decline, though slowing from the 1.2% expansion recorded in March. Production increased in eight of the thirteen manufacturing subsectors, with the strongest contributions coming from basic pharmaceutical products and preparations (up 4.2% vs 2.1% in March), rubber and plastic products (1.7% vs 1.8%), wood and paper products (0.7% vs 1.2%), and basic metals and metal products (1.8% vs 2.1%).
In contrast, output fell in several key categories, including transport equipment (-1.9% vs 2.0% previously), chemicals and chemical products (-0.1% vs 2.9%), and computer, electronic and optical products (-1.0% vs 1.9%), while electrical equipment posted a sharp 5.5% decline after a 3.3% increase in the prior month. On an annual basis, manufacturing output grew by 1.0% in April 2026, beating market expectations for a 0.4% rise but slightly below the 1.2% year-on-year increase recorded in March.
