Outlook remains bright for manufacturers – CBI

Output volumes continued to grow at the same rate as in the previous two months with stronger growth anticipated for the coming quarter. The survey of 437 manufacturers found that total order books remained well above the long-run average. Export orders fell below normal, mainly driven by the chemicals and automotive sectors, but remained strong by historical standards. Katja Hall (pictured), CBI deputy director-general, said: "Overall, the manufacturing sector continues to perform well. Output growth is on an upward trend, with firms expecting an even stronger rise in the next three months. "Inflationary pressures are under control, with firms now expecting only a slight rise in the selling prices of their goods. "The recent rise in Sterling, coupled with a tepid recovery in the Eurozone could weigh on export demand. As the UK's economic recovery gains a firmer footing, we need to ramp up manufacturing exports to high-growth markets, driving job creation here in the UK." Among other findings were 36% of firms said the volume of output over the last three months was up and 21% said it was down, giving a balance of +15% for the third consecutive month. This was well above average (+2%). Firms expect output to grow in the coming quarter, with 39% predicting growth, and 7% a decline, giving an overall balance of +32%. This is unchanged since April and, if realised, would be the highest balance since September (+33%) Just over a fifth (22%) of firms reported that total order books were above normal and 22% said they were below normal, giving a balance of 0%. This was similar to that in April (-1%) and well above the long-run average (-16%)