United Kingdom manufacturing production strengthened at the start of 2026, with year-over-year output growth rising to 1.3% in January, up from 0.5% in December 2025. The latest data, updated on 13 March 2026, indicate a notable acceleration in industrial activity compared with the same month a year earlier.
The figures are measured on a year-over-year basis, meaning January 2026 output is compared with January 2025, while the previous reading reflected December 2025 output versus December 2024. The step-up from 0.5% to 1.3% suggests improving momentum in the UK manufacturing sector after a more subdued performance at the end of last year.
While no sector breakdown was provided, the overall gain in manufacturing production may be interpreted by markets as a positive signal for broader economic activity, especially if the upward trend persists in the coming months.
