August output figures disappoint

Manufacturing News, Source : The Manufacturer
Published : 11 Oct 2005 10:29

Official figures today show a disappointing dip in UK manufacturing output although more reliable quarterly data was positive.

For August, manufacturing output decreased by 0.2 per cent with six of the sector’s 13 subsectors showing falls in output and seven registering increases. There were three significant decreasing subsectors during the month. These were the paper, printing and publishing subsector (minus 1.6 per cent), transport equipment (minus 1.5 per cent) and food, drink and tobacco (minus 1.1 per cent). The only significant increase in output between in August was in the electrical and optical equipment subsector (2.4 per cent) with increased output across the majority of industries.

Data for the three months to August, showed manufacturing output increased by 0.6 per cent compared with the three months to May, with seven out of the 13 subsectors showing increases in output, five showing decreases and one remaining unchanged.

There were significant increases in the chemicals and man-made fibres industries, where output increased by 2.4 per cent and the food, drink and tobacco industries, where output increased by 1.7 per cent. There were no significant decreases in output on a three-monthly basis.

EEF, the manufacturers' organisation said: "Survey data continues to be inaccurate and not a relfection of a range of surveys from business organisations or anecdotal evidence. Whilst conditions are difficult and cost pressures huge, volumes still remains reasonable for many companies."

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