The value of UK manufacturing output grew to £153.1bn in Q1 2025, up 1.3% (£1.9bn) from the same period in 2024, thanks largely to production gains worth more than £1bn to the shipbuilding and aerospace manufacturing sectors, according to ONS data.
The value of automotive, aerospace and t ransport Equipment produced in the UK increased to £33.4bn in Q1 2025, up 6.4% year-on-year, with a 60% (£1.1bn) increase in the value of ships and boats built here and a 17% (also £1.1bn) increase in aircraft, spacecraft and related machinery production.
Shipbuilding in the UK was worth £2.8bn in Q1 2025, while the value of aerospace manufacturing output was £7.7bn. The value of motor vehicle & trailer manufacturing fell by £343m (1.68%) in the same period.
UK manufacturers also achieved year-on-year output gains in the following sectors:
- Metals, metal products and machinery manufacturing output increased by £398m (3.4%)
- Food products manufacturing output achieved gains worth £318m (1.3%)
- Paper, paper products and printed material manufacturing output improved by £295m (5.2%)
- Textiles, apparel and leather products manufacturing output increased by £77m (3.2%)
The value of chemicals and pharmaceutical preparations produced in the UK experienced the most significant decline, falling by £422m (3.8%) year-on-year. Other sectors with declining output were:
- Coke and refined petroleum products output fell by £89m (3.7%)
- Computer, electronic and electrical products output declined by £60m (0.6%)
- Alcohol and tobacco products output was down by £38m (0.8%)
Chris Iveson, CEO at FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics, commented: “After achieving a record high in output in the final quarter of 2024, it is good to see UK manufacturing deliver further year-on-year growth in Q1 2025, and productivity improvements in most sectors.
“The fact that growth was achieved despite ongoing headwinds and additional global trade uncertainty is a credit to the resilience and adaptability of UK manufacturing. UK manufacturing is a growth industry again, but these are still challenging times. Rising costs make productivity and efficiency gains crucial for the long-term viability of most manufacturers today.”
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