£2bn aerospace boost drives 1.5% increase in UK manufacturing output

The value of UK manufacturing output grew to £155.8bn in Q2 2025, up 1.5% (£3.8bn) from the same period in 2024, driven primarily by a 5.8% (£1.8bn) increase in the value of output from the automotive, aerospace and transport equipment sector, according to an analysis of ONS data by FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics.

Although the value of motor vehicles and trailers produced in the UK fell by 3% (£664m) year-on-year, this was dwarfed by a 28% (£2bn) rise in the value of aircraft, spacecraft and related machinery manufactured in the UK, and a 26% (£507m) increased in the production of ships and boats.

There were significant gains in the production of food products, where output increased by 3.4% (£880m) year-on-year, and chemicals & pharmaceutical preparations, which rose 7.6% (£822m) from the previous year. The value of basic pharmaceutical products and preparations manufactured in the UK exceeded £7.9bn in the second quarter of 2025, 13% (£894m) more than the year before.

Year-on-year output gains were also achieved in the following manufacturing sectors:

• Textiles, apparel & leather products output achieved gains worth 10.0% (£238m)
• Computer, electronic and electrical products output increased by 1.5% (£152m)
• Metals, metal products and machinery output was up 0.1% (£17m).

The value of coke and refined petroleum products output experienced the most significant decline, falling by 13.9% (£351m) year-on-year.

Other sectors where output had declined compared to the same period in 2024 were:

• Alcohol & tobacco products output was down by 1.8% (£107m)
• Paper, paper products and printed material output fell by 0.9% (£53m)

Chris Iveson, CEO at FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics, comments: “It is fantastic to see further growth in the value of UK manufacturing output, especially in sectors such as aerospace and pharmaceuticals, where we have world-leading manufacturing capabilities. This growth and the productivity gains that have made it possible have been achieved despite significant global economic uncertainty, which is a testament to the innovation and adaptability of our vital manufacturing sector.”