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Manufacturers treading water report suggests

UK manufacturing remained subdued in June but consistent, the latest CBI monthly trends report suggests.

Output remained flat on the three months previous and firms were said to have “tempered” expectations.

SMEs reported a stabilisation in production after eleven months of falling output. This was offset by a second consecutive fall in the output growth of larger firms.

Total order books and export order books were in line with their long-run averages as SMEs reportedly struggled to maintain their export order books.

The automotive, aerospace and transport equipment sector were the strongest contributors to export order levels.

Stephen Gifford, CBI director of Economics, said: “Manufacturers are treading water with domestic and export orders stagnant.

“Production levels remain flat, but firms predict a modest pick-up over the coming three months.

“While an expected improvement in conditions at home and abroad should lead to better prospects for manufacturers, the business climate still remains quite fragile.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .