UK manufacturing output volumes fell sharply in the three months to August, with a net -22% of firms reporting a decline, down significantly from -2% in July, and firms expect another decline into November (-13%).

• Output fell across 14 of 17 sub-sectors, led by chemicals, paper, printing & media, and metal products, underscoring broad-based weakness.

• Total order books remained below “normal” at -33% (from -30% in July), far weaker than the long-run average of -14%.

• Export order books also deteriorated to -33% (from -21% in July), significantly under the long-run average of -19%.

• Expectations for selling price inflation eased to +9% (from +21%), the weakest since Oct 2024 and close to the long-run average of +7%.

• Stocks of finished goods were reported “more than adequate” at +7% (from +14%), though still below the long-run average of +12%.