UK production output rises for sixth consecutive 3-month period in May

The United Kingdom’s production output increased by 0.1 per cent in the three months to May 2026 compared with the three months to February, extending its run of positive three-month growth to six consecutive periods, according to data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).Manufacturing was the only major production sector to contribute positively over the three-month period, with output rising 1.6 per cent. The gain was partly offset by declines in electricity and gas output, which fell 4.3 per cent, marking the steepest three-month contraction since June 2025. Water supply and sewerage output declined 1.9 per cent, while mining and quarrying fell 1.5 per cent, ONS said in a press release.

The UK’s production output rose 0.1 per cent in the three months to May 2026, supported solely by a 1.6 per cent increase in manufacturing.
The manufacturing gain signals a supportive backdrop for textile and apparel production, although overall production declined 0.5 per cent in May as weaker mining and utilities offset a modest 0.1 per cent monthly rise in factory output.

On a monthly basis, production output declined 0.5 per cent in May 2026 after increasing 0.2 per cent in April and remaining unchanged in March.

The monthly decline was led by a 4.6 per cent fall in mining and quarrying, alongside decreases in water supply and sewerage (2.4 per cent) and electricity and gas (0.1 per cent). Manufacturing output edged up 0.1 per cent, providing only limited support to overall production.

Machinery and equipment posted the strongest monthly increase, rising 5.3 per cent, added the release.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (JP)