UK manufacturing output inched up 0.1% month-over-month in May 2026, surprising to the upside against market expectations for a 0.2% decline, though easing from a revised 0.5% gain in April. Of the thirteen manufacturing subsectors, seven recorded growth. The strongest contribution came from machinery and equipment, which jumped 5.3% (vs 0.7% in April), followed by computer, electronic and optical products (2.1% vs -0.1%), electrical equipment (1.3% vs -4.5%), and chemicals and chemical products (0.7% vs -1.3%).
By contrast, the steepest fall was seen in basic metals and metal products, down 2.7% after rising 2.4% in April. Output also declined in rubber and plastic products and other non-metallic mineral products (-1.6% vs 1.3%), as well as in other manufacturing and repair (-1.5% vs 0.3%).
On an annual basis, manufacturing output increased 2.3% in May, beating expectations for a 1.9% rise and accelerating from 1.0% growth in April. This was the fastest annual expansion since March 2024.
