UK manufacturing sees first quarterly decline in a decade amid global trade tensions

UK manufacturing output has declined for the first time in ten years during the initial quarter of 2025, amid concerns about a global trade war and increased taxation impacting businesses.

The sector saw a one per cent drop in the first three months after experiencing a 20 per cent surge in the preceding quarter, with UK orders falling by seven per cent, as per figures from industry body Make UK, as reported by City AM.

"Albeit the sector wide contraction is only minor, the negative balance at the start of a year is an ominous one," Make UK commented.

The organisation has revised its forecast for the manufacturing sector, predicting a contraction of -0.5 per cent this year, a decrease