Manufacturing output falls at fastest pace since Aug 2020 - CBI
By Michele Maatouk
Date: Thursday 20 Nov 2025
(Sharecast News) - UK manufacturing output volumes fell in November at the fastest pace since August 2020 amid uncertainty ahead of the Budget, according to the latest Industrial Trends survey from the Confederation of British Industry.
Output volumes fell in the period, with a net balance of -30%, down from -16% in October. A balance is the weighted percentage of firms reporting an increase and those reporting a decrease.
The CBI said output fell in 13 of the 17 sub-sectors, with the decline driven by the food, drink & tobacco, chemicals, and mechanical engineering sub-sectors.
Total order books were reported as below "normal" in November, with the balance coming in at -37% from -38% in October.
Export order books were also reported as below "normal", though to a lesser extent than in October, with a balance of - 31% in November, up from -46%.
Expectations for average selling price inflation eased, with the balance at +7% compared to +16% in October.
CBI lead economist Ben Jones said: "Manufacturers face a challenging end to the year. What's striking in this month's survey is how consistently firms link the slowdown to uncertainty ahead of the Budget, with customers delaying purchases and investment until they know what's coming.
"With the Budget now just days away, the Chancellor must provide much needed certainty and back the government's growth mission rhetoric with pro-business policies. For manufacturers, this must include accelerated support to address punitive energy costs and increased Growth and Skills Levy flexibility - interventions that would boost competitiveness, increase confidence, and unlock growth."
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