Output in the UK’s manufacturing sector fell in the first three months of the year for the first time since 2016 as the industry was battered by escalating global trade tensions and rising business taxes.
The industry said production fell for most businesses between January and March, an “ominous” and “highly unusual occurrence” at the start of a calendar year when output is traditionally higher than in the fourth quarter.
Verity Davidge, policy director at Make UK, said British manufacturers were “wading through treacle” as they struggled to manage the prospect of higher wage bills, growing employment taxes, and a deteriorating global trade environment marked by tariff wars.
The manufacturing sector, which makes up less than 10 per cent of the UK economy’s gross value
