WS News
15 Oct 2026, 09:38
UK Economy Grows 0.1% in August as Manufacturing and Industrial Output Beat Expectations
The U.K. economy expanded 0.1% month over month in August, outperforming expectations for a 0.1% contraction, although growth slowed from the previous month’s 0.4% increase.
Manufacturing production rose 1.2% month over month, significantly stronger than the 0.1% decline expected by economists and slightly above the previous month’s 1.0% gain.
Industrial production also surprised to the upside, increasing 0.8% versus expectations for a 0.1% decline and accelerating from 0.3% previously.
The trade deficit narrowed to £18.01 billion, better than the £21.90 billion deficit expected and an improvement from the previous reading shown in the data.
Overall, the figures point to more resilient U.K. economic activity than expected, particularly in manufacturing and industrial production.
The U.K. economy expanded 0.1% month over month in August, outperforming expectations for a 0.1% contraction, although growth slowed from the previous month’s 0.4% increase.
Manufacturing production rose 1.2% month over month, significantly stronger than the 0.1% decline expected by economists and slightly above the previous month’s 1.0% gain.
Industrial production also surprised to the upside, increasing 0.8% versus expectations for a 0.1% decline and accelerating from 0.3% previously.
The trade deficit narrowed to £18.01 billion, better than the £21.90 billion deficit expected and an improvement from the previous reading shown in the data.
Overall, the figures point to more resilient U.K. economic activity than expected, particularly in manufacturing and industrial production.
