PwC comments on the S&P Global UK Manufacturing PMI – March 2026

Cara Haffey, Leader of Industry for Industrials and Services, at PwC UK, said: 

"The UK manufacturing sector is maintaining momentum with another month of a positive PMI figure (51.7). Businesses are seeing an uptick in new export orders, particularly from regions like North America and Asia, highlighting the global demand for UK-manufactured goods and the sector’s resilience and adaptability in a challenging economic environment. This growth reflects strong underlying fundamentals and the commitment of manufacturers to innovate and expand their reach.  

“While challenges remain, notably in the areas of employment and input costs, the sustained improvement in business sentiment and outlook potentially presents a promising horizon. Nevertheless, the rapidly evolving global environment, highlighted by the recent developments in the Middle East, could impact on supply chains, input costs and product pricing. Manufacturers may have to start thinking broader with their strategic approaches, leveraging cross-sector opportunities to meet rising demand.”