UK Factory Orders Slump Again as CBI Index Hits –33

UK factory demand deteriorated sharply in August, with the Confederation of British Industry’s monthly gauge of total orders sliding to –33 from –30 in July, the joint-weakest reading this year and below economists’ forecast of –28. Price expectations also eased, with the selling-prices balance dropping to 9, its lowest level since October 2024. Manufacturers surveyed by the CBI reported that rising input costs, weak domestic demand and ongoing trade frictions were squeezing margins and prompting customers to delay orders. A separate question on expected output over the next three months fell to –13 from –6, pointing to further contraction ahead. Earlier data from S&P Global and the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply showed the flash manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index retreating to 47.3 in August, signalling a third consecutive month of decline in activity. “With weak demand compounded by trade frictions and policy uncertainty, the outlook for UK manufacturers remains challenging,” CBI lead economist Ben Jones said.