The UK Manufacturing PMI rose sharply to 53.6 in April 2026 from 51.0 in March, beating market expectations of 49.9 and signaling the strongest expansion since May 2022. Output rebounded and new orders increased modestly, as firms reported that customers brought forward purchases and built up safety stocks in anticipation of rising prices and potential supply shortages.
Employment increased for the first time since October 2024, although supplier delivery times deteriorated markedly, reflecting the weakest vendor performance since June 2022. On the cost side, both input prices and output charges surged, driven by higher raw material and transportation costs.
Despite the stronger headline figures, business confidence softened, with firms citing persistent inflationary pressures and mounting concerns that geopolitical tensions could disrupt supply chains, weigh on consumer confidence, and hold back investment.
