The value of UK manufacturing output grew to £155.8 billion in the second quarter of 2025, up 1.5% (£3.8 billion) on the same period in 2024, driven primarily by a 5.8% (£1.8 billion) increase in the value of output from the automotive, aerospace and transport equipment sector, according to an analysis of ONS data by
FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics.
Although the value of motor vehicles and trailers produced in the UK fell by 3% (£664 million) year-on-year, this was dwarfed by a 28% (£2 billion) rise in the value of aircraft, spacecraft and related machinery manufactured in the UK, and a 26% (£507 million) increased in the production of ships and boats.
There were significant gains in the production of food products, where output increased by 3.4% (£880 million) year-on-year, and chemicals and pharmaceutical preparations, which rose 7.6% (£822 million) from the previous year. The value of basic pharmaceutical products and preparations manufactured in the UK exceeded £7.9 billion in the second quarter of 2025, 13% (£894 million) more than the year before.
Year-on-year output gains were also achieved in the following manufacturing sectors: textiles, apparel and leather products output achieved gains worth 10% (£238 million); computer, electronic and electrical products output increased by 1.5% (£152 million); metals, metal products and machinery output was up 0.1% (£17 million).
The value of coke and refined petroleum products output experienced the most significant decline, falling by 13.9% (£351 million) year-on-year. Other sectors where output was down compared to the same period in 2024 were alcohol and tobacco products output was down by 1.8% (£107 million), and paper, paper products and printed material output fell by 0.9% (£53 million).
Chris Iveson, CEO at FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics, said: “It is fantastic to see further growth in the value of UK manufacturing output, especially in sectors such as aerospace and pharmaceuticals, where we have world-leading manufacturing capabilities. This growth and the productivity gains that have made it possible have been achieved despite significant global economic uncertainty, which is a testament to the innovation and adaptability of our vital manufacturing sector.”