Britain’s manufacturing sector saw activity decline in August as new orders softened, impacted by global trade frictions and recent increases in domestic taxes, according to Monday’s survey data.
The S&P Global/CIPS Manufacturing PMI fell to 47.0 in August from 48.0 in July, marking the first decrease in five months. The reading also came in below the preliminary estimate of 47.3 and remained below the 50 mark that separates expansion from contraction, extending the industry’s downturn to an 11th consecutive month.
Survey respondents highlighted weak demand, international tariff pressures, and rising client costs as key challenges. Additional headwinds included the April increase in the minimum wage and higher employer taxes, while both export orders and overall demand shrank at their fastest pace in four months.
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