ONS data indicate that UK manufacturing output increased by +0.8% in Q1 2026 compared with the previous quarter and was +0.5% higher compared with Q1 2025.
Eight out of thirteen manufacturing subsectors contributed positively to manufacturing growth in the latest quarter. The largest positive contribution to this growth was the manufacture of transport equipment, which increased by +5.7%
At the subsector level, capital goods output grew by +2.4% in Q1, while Automotive grew by 11%, a base effect caused by the comparison to late 2025 when output was affected by the JLR cyber-attack; although the subsector remains volatile and still below longer-term peak levels.
Metal Products grew by +1.4% in Q1, remaining comparatively subdued, with demand conditions still reflecting weakness in broader industrial and construction-related activity.
Aerospace grew by +0.8% in Q1, continuing to show the most stable medium-term performance trend, supported by ongoing strength in civil aerospace, defence and maintenance activity.
However, Machinery weakened sharply, falling by -6.2% in Q1, reversing some of the gains recorded during late 2025 and highlighting ongoing softness in broader industrial investment demand.
Overall, manufacturing conditions improved modestly in Q1 2026, but momentum remains uneven across subsectors and underlying demand remains fragile in several areas of UK industry.
You can download the ONS Statistical Bulletin from their web-site at https://www.ons.gov.uk/releasecalendar (14th May) or request it from MTA; we also have an analysis of the key industries which is available to members – please contact Martin Redhead ([email protected]) if you would like these charts.