The Gross Value Added (GVA) of the manufacturing industry in the United Kingdom amounted to approximately ***** billion British pounds in 2024, compared with ***** billion pounds in 1990.

In 2020, 32% of all enterprises in the UK manufacturing industry with over 10 employees purchased high Cloud Computing services, for example CRM software or computing power. This almost doubled the percentage of enterprises that bought such services compared to the 18% that did so in 2018. Enterprises in the UK manufacturing industry also bought a significantly bigger share of financing and accounting software applications in 2020 then they did in 2018, raising the share from 12% to 26%.

Industrial Production in the United Kingdom decreased 0.30 percent in May of 2025 over the same month in the previous year. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - United Kingdom Industrial Production - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Monthly, quarterly and annual export data for the manufacturing industries, collected by the Monthly Business Survey at industry level in the UK.

Movements in the volume of production for the UK production industries: manufacturing, mining and quarrying, energy supply, and water and waste management. Figures are seasonally adjusted.

United Kingdom UK: GDP: % of GDP: Gross Value Added: Industry: Manufacturing data was reported at 9.203 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 9.015 % for 2016. United Kingdom UK: GDP: % of GDP: Gross Value Added: Industry: Manufacturing data is updated yearly, averaging 10.479 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2017, with 28 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 16.704 % in 1990 and a record low of 8.723 % in 2009. United Kingdom UK: GDP: % of GDP: Gross Value Added: Industry: Manufacturing data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.World Bank.WDI: Gross Domestic Product: Share of GDP. Manufacturing refers to industries belonging to ISIC divisions 15-37. Value added is the net output of a sector after adding up all outputs and subtracting intermediate inputs. It is calculated without making deductions for depreciation of fabricated assets or depletion and degradation of natural resources. The origin of value added is determined by the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC), revision 3. Note: For VAB countries, gross value added at factor cost is used as the denominator.; ; World Bank national accounts data, and OECD National Accounts data files.; Weighted average; Note: Data for OECD countries are based on ISIC, revision 4.

In 2021, the manufacturing industry in the United Kingdom (UK) is forecast to spend around **** billion U.S. dollars on software. By 2024, the industry's spending is projected to increase to **** billion U.S. dollars.

The Paper and Paperboard Manufacturing industry faces the ever-growing threat and pressure of IT and telecommunications adoption, reducing paper usage. As such, over the five years through 2024-25, industry revenue is expected to slump at a compound annual rate of 2.3% to £3 billion. Some leading manufacturers, like AW UK Holdings Ltd, have exited the industry, while others have seen factory closures, like the Stoneywood paper mill in Aberdeen in 2022, contributing to the industry's downfall. Following some companies’ exits, the industry is consolidating, with many more prominent manufacturers acquiring smaller businesses. The COVID-19 outbreak in 2020-21 caused a large slump in industry revenue. Volatile commodity prices and weak downstream conditions, caused by forced business closures and more cautious consumer spending, led to widespread economic uncertainty and low investment. Industry imports and exports tanked amid supply chain disruption and trade restrictions off the back of the COVID-19 outbreak. The paper stationery manufacturing market and newspaper publishers took a huge hit, partly because of increased IT and telecommunication adoption, driven by a work-from-home trend that reduced paper consumption. Revenue is forecast to contract by 0.6% in 2024-25 and remain below pre-pandemic levels despite a promising revenue recovery after lockdown restrictions were lifted. Volatile wood pulp and paper prices, more immense regulatory pressures and supply chain disruption have caused industry profit to remain low. However, inflation stabilising in 2023-24 thanks to high interest rates limiting borrowing is rebuilding some consumer confidence in 2024-25. The ongoing shift towards electronic communications and media will continue to create challenging conditions for the industry over the coming years. In the short term, easing macroeconomic headwinds will support revenue prospects, especially as paper manufacturers start to re-invest their widening profit into the production process. Continuing investment in sustainability and automation practices within manufacturing facilities will put manufacturers in an excellent position to capitalise on a growing packaging and paper bag manufacturing market. As the plastic packaging tax escalates, paper manufacturers will sway customers away from unsustainable plastic bag manufacturers. Over the five years through 2029-30, industry revenue is forecast to creep upwards at a compound annual rate of 0.3% to exceed £3.1 billion.

United Kingdom UK: GDP: % of Manufacturing: Medium and High Tech Industry data was reported at 47.367 % in 2015. This records a decrease from the previous number of 50.178 % for 2014. United Kingdom UK: GDP: % of Manufacturing: Medium and High Tech Industry data is updated yearly, averaging 43.770 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2015, with 26 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 50.528 % in 2013 and a record low of 41.974 % in 2003. United Kingdom UK: GDP: % of Manufacturing: Medium and High Tech Industry data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s UK – Table UK.World Bank: Gross Domestic Product: Share of GDP. The proportion of medium and high-tech industry value added in total value added of manufacturing; ; United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Competitive Industrial Performance (CIP) database; ;

As of the first quarter of 2025, there were approximately ****million men employed in the manufacturing sector in the UK, compared with ********women.

Index values and growth rates for production, manufacturing and the main industrial groupings in the UK.

A lack of investment has pushed the UK Motor Vehicle Manufacturing industry into decline. Engine production is inching downwards as the industry struggles to attract investment because of higher EU production and multinationals wanting to be part of an integrated EU supply chain to reduce costs. The pandemic deepened the industry's troubles – output dropped by 29.3% in 2020, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) – and recovery has been challenging. Motor vehicle producers have also been plagued by semiconductor shortages and supply chain issues, which have elevated production costs, squeezing their returns. Petrol and diesel vehicle output is falling, further sinking revenue. Car makers have abandoned diesel vehicles to produce electric vehicles. Car makers’ revenue is forecast to fall at a compound annual rate of 3.6% over the five years through 2024-25 to £53.4 billion. There’s a glimmer of hope – hybrid and pure electric vehicle sales are rising, both at home and abroad. Output climbed in 2023, driven by a resurgence in exports of electric and hybrid cars to the EU. Manufacturers produced 905,117 car units in 2023. However, output dropped to 779,584 units in 2024 because of the transition to electric vehicles. Revenue is expected to drop by 4.2% in 2024-25, with the average profit margin forecast to reach 5.9%. Manufacturers are passing on higher production costs, and luxury vehicle sales are driving profit. To plot a path to recovery, car manufacturers will focus on making alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) in response to the UK’s ban on selling new petrol and diesel vehicles in 2035. However, demand for AFVs is currently weak, threatening the industry’s growth potential – some car makers are questioning their future in the UK unless the government does more to drive up demand for electric vehicles. The government has poured more money into building electric charge points to boost uptake but has withdrawn subsidies for buying electric cars. Still, electric vehicles will dominate the market in the long term as public and private efforts are pointed towards net zero policies. Revenue is expected to expand at a compound annual rate of 5.2% over the five years through 2029-30 to reach £68.9 billion.

The Aircraft, Engine and Parts Manufacturing industry’s revenue is forecast to dip at a compound annual rate of 2.8% to £39.9 billion over the five years through 2024-25, including an estimated revenue jump of 0.4% in 2024-25. The industry has been swiftly recovering from the pandemic-induced slump in 2020-21. The industry is a major investment, research and development source for global aircraft production. Orders for aircraft and related equipment are typically placed years in advance, meaning deliveries are relatively stable and can curb economic headwinds. A big backlog of orders held by Airbus and Rolls Royce has aided deliveries and revenue in recent years. Revenue plunged in 2020-21 due to the pandemic, leading to a near standstill in global travel. Commercial airlines cancelled or deferred orders as most of their fleet was grounded. Airbus reported that deliveries fell to 566 in 2020, notably lower than the 863 delivered in 2019. Revenue began bouncing back in 2021-22 as commercial orders recovered due to rising air passengers. Airbus recorded its most successful year ever in 2023, reporting 2,094 gross new orders for aircraft, signalling the companies robust financial health. Revenue is forecast to expand at a compound annual rate of 5.5% to £52.2 billion over the five years through 2029-30. Growing international competition is projected to squeeze profit. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and changing US policies in Europe are causing a sharp surge in defence spending in the continent over the coming years as European countries are enhancing their security and pursuing security independence from the US. Rejuvenated public spending on defence will drive revenue for Airbus, Rolls Royce and BAE Systems, major European defence contractors. Global air travel will continue to soar, generating aircraft maintenance and replacement orders. With growing environmental concerns, the development of greener jets will be at the forefront of aircraft making. Established manufacturers with the scope to invest heavily in green tech are best placed to take advantage, but it will be an opportunity for new competitors to gain a foothold in the market, especially from high-tech regions like East Asia.

Manufacturers produce equipment and machinery for non-domestic food and drink production processes, like cooking equipment and liquid processing systems. Key downstream customers, particularly in the food delivery market, have performed strongly, driving high spending on new specialist equipment. The pandemic dropped revenue sharply due to the inactivity of downstream clients, halting orders. Revenue is forecast to drop at a compound annual rate of 3% to £983.1 million over the five years through 2024-25. Manufacturers have faced a challenging operating environment. Competitive pressures from overseas manufacturers and weak business capital expenditure due to rising costs and inflationary pressure is affecting investment. The persistent threat of commodity price and supply chain risks have eroded profitability, though greater automation in the production chain has shielded manufacturers from labour shortages. In 2024-25, revenue is set to rise because manufacturers are raising prices and previous cautious food producers are investing in new equipment. Over the five years through 2029-30, the UK food & beverage machinery manufacturing industry is expected to expand at a compound annual rate of 0.9% to exceed £1 billion. The size of the food delivery and distilling markets will continue growing and provide revenue opportunities. Weak business confidence in 2025-26 will force manufacturers to withhold big-ticket spending on new equipment, waiting for more favourable conditions. Competition from low-cost foreign manufacturers will remain fierce. Exports are set to expand elevated by rising EU food production to reduce reliance on exports.

UK toolmakers’ revenue is forecast to slump at a compound annual rate of 4.2% over the five years through 2024-25 to £1.3 billion. Declining revenue can be attributed to weak industrial activity, particularly in the manufacturing, oil and gas industries in recent years. The vast majority of household tools are manufactured in low-cost regions and countries like China. These imported tools pose fierce competition to domestic producers and have become increasingly popular, weighing on revenue. Revenue plunged in 2020-21 as pandemic restrictions meant construction and industrial markets reduced output, cutting the need for tools. Construction activity has since bounced back, benefitting from government-backed policies and frameworks, especially in the infrastructure and residential construction markets. However, industrial output remained constrained due to high borrowing costs and rampant inflation over the two years through 2023-24. In July 2024, the manufacturing sector saw its fourth consecutive month of expansion in activity since July 2022. However, on the price front, manufacturers are seeing upward pressure on both input costs and output charges as the Red Sea Crisis continues. Due to weak industrial activity, revenue is expected to inch downward by 3.6% in 2024-25. Revenue is estimated to slip at a compound annual rate of 3% over the five years through 2029-30 to £1.1 billion. Industrial output, particularly in the manufacturing sector, is set to climb in line with recovering economic conditions and easing inflationary pressures. However, manufacturing companies are likely to continue reducing output and shifting production to low-cost regions, reducing toolmakers' customer base in the UK. Import competition will also intensify, continuing to funnel sales away from domestic producers and driving revenue down.

In 2018, the number of enterprises in the manufacturing industry in the United Kingdom remained nearly unchanged at around 137,901 enterprises. Still, the number of enterprises reached its highest value in the observed period in 2018. According to Eurostat, this includes all companies that were active during at least a part of the reference period.Find more statistics on other topics about the United Kingdom with key insights such as production value of the motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers manufacturing industry, personnel costs of the food product manufacturing industry, and production value of the perfumes and toilet preparations manufacturing industry.

United Kingdom UK: GDP: % of Manufacturing: Textiles and Clothing data was reported at 2.278 % in 2013. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2.299 % for 2012. United Kingdom UK: GDP: % of Manufacturing: Textiles and Clothing data is updated yearly, averaging 5.682 % from Dec 1963 (Median) to 2013, with 47 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 10.536 % in 1963 and a record low of 2.064 % in 2011. United Kingdom UK: GDP: % of Manufacturing: Textiles and Clothing data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s UK – Table UK.World Bank: Gross Domestic Product: Share of GDP. Value added in manufacturing is the sum of gross output less the value of intermediate inputs used in production for industries classified in ISIC major division D. Textiles and clothing correspond to ISIC divisions 17-19.; ; United Nations Industrial Development Organization, International Yearbook of Industrial Statistics.; ;

The Plastic Product Manufacturing industry encompasses a huge range of plastic products, from packing goods to construction supplies to plastic plates, sheets, tubes and profiles, which means it supplies many industries. The plastic product market is heavily susceptible to changing downstream conditions and climate policies, given the environmental damage plastics can bring. For example, strong business sentiment and industrial production activity can fuel demand for plastic packaging, while growing output in the construction sector can propel orders of plastic construction supplies. EU recycling regulations are playing a big role in plastic producers’ operations, with companies placing growing emphasis on producing recyclable products or manufacturing goods using recycled plastics to reduce their environmental impact. Over the five years through 2024, revenue is slated to tumble at a compound annual rate of 3.4% to €458.1 billion, including a 3.5% drop in 2024. Revenue has dropped in all years leading up to 2024 except for 2021, when manufacturers benefitted from higher selling prices. However, over 2022 and 2023, selling prices couldn’t keep up with soaring inflation as demand dulled, hurting profitability and revenue. In 2024, prospects look brighter, but import competition remains intense. Germany dominates plastic product manufacturing output, with Eurostat and OECD data showing that the country accounted for a massive 45.6% of revenue in 2020. Over the five years through 2029, revenue is forecast to expand at a compound annual rate of 1.7% to reach €498.8 billion. With import penetration presenting a huge threat to future revenue prospects, European manufacturers will switch focus to churning out speciality packaging, as companies in the mass market won’t be able to compete effectively with foreign competition. Similarly, with the industry under tremendous social and political pressure to act more sustainably, sustainable packaging solutions will take off, aiding profit growth and further driving the shift from mass plastic production to more tailored solutions.