UK Manufacturing PMI Shows Slight Improvement but Sector Remains Under Pressure

The UK manufacturing sector faced continued challenges in April, with the S&P Global Manufacturing PMI edging up slightly to 45.4 from March's 44.9, according to a recent report by S&P Global.

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

Manufacturers are grappling with worsening market conditions, weakened client confidence, and increased uncertainty, particularly due to potential US tariffs. The report underscores significant drops in export demand, the sharpest in nearly five years, with notable decreases in orders from key markets such as the US, Europe, and China.

Rob Dobson, Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, remarked on the adverse global market conditions affecting firms, stating that announcements regarding US tariffs are having a pronounced impact on global markets.