After the manufacturing sector's production index rose for the 18th consecutive month on a year ago, other industry sectors reported declines.
ONS data has shown that while the mining and quarrying sector’s production index decreased by 14.3% and the energy sector by 1.7%, commentators have pointed to the durability and strength of manufacturing compared to other industries.
The seasonally adjusted manufacturing output rose by 0.1% in July 2011 compared to the month before, after the monthly rise follows a fall in manufacturing of 0.5% in quarter 2 this year compared with quarter 1 2011.
EEF Senior Economist Jeegar Kakkad said that although many manufacturers were cautious, they remained optimistic about the potential the rest of year held. He admitted the growth in Q2 of this year was a cause for concern, but was optimistic.
“Manufacturers appear to have shaken off the quirky April to grow at a steady rate of 0.5% over the last three months.” He said. “Combined with more recent positive business surveys, today’s production data suggest industry has started q3 on a positive footing.”
George Archer
