UK Manufacturing PMI Shows Slight Improvement but Sector Remains Under Pressure

The UK's manufacturing sector showed a marginal improvement in April, with the S&P Global Manufacturing PMI rising to 45.4 from March's 44.9. However, the sector continues to face significant challenges, as revealed in the latest report by S&P Global.

Declines in Output, New Orders, and Employment Highlight Sector Struggles

Key indicators such as output, new orders, and employment have all seen declines. Manufacturers are grappling with worsening market conditions, weakened client confidence, and increased uncertainty, particularly around potential US tariffs.

Export Demand Hits Near Five-Year Low

Export demand has plummeted to its lowest level in nearly five years, with significant drops in orders from major markets including the US, Europe, and China. Rob Dobson, Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, emphasized the impact of adverse global market conditions and the noticeable effect of US tariff announcements on global markets.