U.K. manufacturers expect strong output growth in the coming three months, according to the latest Industrial Trends survey conducted by the Confederation of British Industry.
Some 33 percent of firms predict increases in output and only 15 percent forecast falls, giving a balance of 18 percent percent. This was the third consecutive month of elevated output expectations.
However, the order book balance rose less-than-expected to -20 percent in May from -25 percent in the previous month. It was forecast to improve to -17 percent.
Stephen Gifford, CBI director of economics said, "with orders improving and the global economy heading for calmer waters, it looks like conditions for manufacturers may be on the up."
Nonetheless, Samuel Tombs at Capital Economics said with few signs that the recession in the euro-zone is coming to an end, it remains hard to see how the export-reliant manufacturing sector can look forward to a sustained period of recovery.
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.