FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics’ CEO Chris IvesonThe value of UK manufacturing output grew to £153.1 billion in Q1 2025, up 1.3% (£1.9 billion) from the same period in 2024, thanks largely to production gains worth more than £1 billion to the shipbuilding and aerospace manufacturing sectors, according to recent analysis of ONS data by
FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics.
The value of automotive, aerospace and transport equipment produced in the UK increased to £33.4 billion in Q1 2025, up 6.4% year-on-year, with a 60% (£1.1 billion) increase in the value of ships and boats built here and a 17% (also £1.1 billion) increase in aircraft, spacecraft and related machinery production. Meanwhile, shipbuilding in the UK was worth £2.8 billion in Q1 2025, while the value of aerospace manufacturing output was £7.7 billion. However, the value of motor vehicle and trailer manufacturing fell by £343 million (1.68%) in the same period.
UK manufacturers also achieved year-on-year output gains in the following sectors: Metals, Metal Products & Machinery manufacturing output increased by £398 million (3.4%); Food Products manufacturing output achieved gains worth £318 million (1.3%); Paper, Paper Products and Printed Material manufacturing output improved by £295 million (5.2%); Textiles, Apparel and Leather Products manufacturing output increased by £77 million (3.2%); and the value of Chemicals and Pharmaceutical Preparations produced in the UK experienced the most significant decline, falling by £422 million (3.8%) year-on-year.
Year-on-year output gainsOther sectors with declining output were: Coke and Refined Petroleum Products — output fell by £89 million (3.7%); Computer, Electronic and Electrical Products — output declined by £60 million (0.6%); and Alcohol and Tobacco Products — output was down by £38 million (0.8%).
Chris Iveson, CEO at FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics, said: “After achieving a record high in output in the final quarter of 2024, it is good to see UK manufacturing deliver further year-on-year growth in Q1 2025, and productivity improvements in most sectors.
“The fact that growth was achieved despite ongoing headwinds and additional global trade uncertainty is a credit to the resilience and adaptability of UK manufacturing. UK manufacturing is a growth industry again, but these are still challenging times. Rising costs make productivity and efficiency gains crucial for the long-term viability of most manufacturers today.”