BCC: Manufacturing remains in long-term decline, despite small March rise
- Manufacturing output in March 2016 was up 0.1% on the month, but down 1.9% on the year
- Total industrial production in March 2016 was up 0.3% on the month, but down 0.2% on the year
Commenting on the UK Index of Production figures for March 2016, published today by the ONS, David Kern, BCC Chief Economist, said:
“Despite a modest recovery in March, longer-term trends show that both manufacturing and total industrial output remain in negative territory.
“While adverse global conditions remain a major challenge for manufacturing, this is now being exacerbated by a slowdown in the domestic economy.
“A healthy manufacturing base remains critical to the wellbeing of the UK economy in key areas such as innovation, exports and productivity, making it vital that the sector is given more support to compete against global and domestic headwinds.”
