Over 500 firms responded to the survey, which fuelled speculation that the depreciation of sterling since the end of 2015 may have led to strong overseas demand. Less than one-third of the 17 manufacturing sub-sectors said export orders were below the level expected, and chemical manufacturers saw the biggest improvement.
Total order books remained largely unchanged but still remain comfortably above the long-term average. Also, while output grew, it was at a slightly weaker rate than in the three months prior to July.
Anna Leach, CBI head of economic analysis and surveys, said: “It’s good to see manufacturing output growth coming in stronger than expected, and some signs that the fall in sterling is helping to bolster export orders. But the pound’s weakness is a double-edged sword, as it benefits exporters but also pushes up costs and prices.”
