UK manufacturing output up for first time in a year as JLR restarts

UK manufacturing output saw its first increase in a year during October, primarily due to the restart of production at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) plants following a cyber attack. Despite this positive development, overall activity in the UK manufacturing sector remained in decline, though the pace of contraction eased significantly. The S&P Global UK manufacturing PMI survey rose to 49.7 in October from 46.2 in September, with figures below 50 indicating contraction. Production volumes showed notable strength in consumer and intermediate goods, with some automotive sector manufacturers benefiting from JLR's phased production resumption. JLR had recommenced operations at all its facilities, including plants in Halewood, in mid-October after being forced to shut down due to a cyber attack on August 31. However, experts suggest this output growth might be temporary. The October rise in production is attributed partly to manufacturers fulfilling existing backlogs of orders and increasing unsold stock due to sluggish domestic and overseas demand. Companies reported challenging market conditions leading to a fall in both domestic and international demand, with new export orders declining for the 45th consecutive month, impacted by weak demand from v... download the app to read more