General · 2 February 2026
UK manufacturing PMI hits 51.8 as exports rise after four years
British manufacturing activity accelerated in January 2026, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) climbing to 51.8 from 50.6 in December. This marks the strongest reading since August 2024. Crucially, new export orders rose for the first time in four years, driven by surging demand from the US, China, and Europe. The data strengthens expectations that the Bank of England will hold interest rates steady this week, following an unexpected 0.3 percent GDP rise in November.
Reported by Guardian · How we write briefs