ONS data indicate that UK manufacturing output increased by +0.9% in Q4 2025 compared with the previous quarter and was +0.3% higher than in Q4 2024. Over the year as a whole, however, 2025 was -0.3% lower than 2024.
Seven of the thirteen manufacturing subsectors made positive contributions to quarterly growth. The strongest increases were recorded in “other manufacturing & repair” (+5.3%), “machinery & equipment n.e.c.” (+4.6%), and “computer, electronic & optical products” (+3.3%).
By subsector grouping, capital goods output rose by +2.7% in Q4 compared to the previous quarter and stood +2.3% above its level in Q4 2024. For the year as a whole, capital goods output in 2025 was +0.6% higher than 2024.
Of the four key industries, automotive output declined by -1.2% in Q4 and was -14.1% below the same quarter a year earlier. For the whole year, automative output in 2025 was -9.8% lower than 2024 (partially due to the JLR cyber-attack last year).
Metal products also remained subdued in Q4, falling by -0.6% on the quarter and -9.2% year-on-year. Over the whole year, metal products output was down -7.7% compared to 2024.
Aerospace, in contrast, edged down by -0.2% in Q4 but was +6.7% higher than in Q4 2024. Over the year as a whole, aerospace output in 2025 was +3.1% higher than 2024.
Machinery output continued to gain momentum, increasing by +4.6% over the quarter and by +9.4% compared with a year earlier. Over the whole year, machinery output was up +5.5% compared to 2024. You can download the ONS Statistical Bulletin from their web-site at https://www.ons.gov.uk/releasecalendar (12 February) 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.