FX.co ★ UK Industrial Output Unexpectedly Rises

In February 2025, industrial production in the UK rose by 1.5% compared to the previous month, surpassing market expectations of no change and recovering from a downwardly revised 0.5% decline observed in January. This increase signifies the most robust growth in industrial activity since June 2023. The improvement was driven by a rebound in manufacturing output, which climbed by 2.2% following a 1% decrease in January, and in electricity, gas, steam, and air-conditioning supply, which grew by 2% after a 1.1% drop. Conversely, output in the mining and quarrying sector contracted by 3%, compared to a previous increase of 0.8%, while there was a slight easing in the water supply, sewerage, and waste management sector, which saw growth of 1.1%, down from 2.6% in January. On an annual basis, industrial production rose by 0.1% in February 2025, countering market expectations of a 2.3% decline and bouncing back from a downwardly revised 0.5% decrease the month prior.