PwC comments on the S&P Global UK Manufacturing PMI August 2025

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

“This month’s PMI report indicates some much-needed encouraging signs, manufacturing output falls at a slower pace with signs that the downturn is easing. PMI was at a six-month high at 48.0, a small increase from 47.7 in June, along with business optimism which also improved to a five-month high in July. Both the consumer and intermediate goods sectors returned to growth following months of contraction.   

““While it is encouraging to see some positive figures, there is no shying away from the challenges which manufacturers continue to face: four out of five of the PMI components (output, new orders, employment and stocks of purchases) remained at a level which is consistent with deterioration. Complex trade conditions, weakened market conditions and rising cost burdens continue to hamper growth and will require manufacturers to incorporate agility and innovation into their operations and transformation plans.”