Surveys of manufacturing activity have “softened in recent months, suggesting that the uncertain international environment” could be starting to affect the sector, said Jonathan Loynes, chief European economist at Capital Economics.
“Growth should slow in the next couple of months as the effect of fighting in Ukraine on core-eurozone business confidence feeds through to the UK”, said Mr Wood.
Total output grew on the previous month for a second straight period, up 0.5pc in July, according to data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The figures were boosted by a leap in energy supply, while manufacturing growth - a large component of total industrial output - posted just a 0.3pc rise on the previous month, in-line with analysts’ forecasts.
Separately, the ONS reported that the UK’s trade deficit has widened again in July, catching economy watchers by surprise.
“The widening deficit was driven by rising imports, rather than falling exports, presumably reflecting the continued strength of domestic activity”, said Mr Loynes.
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