£2bn aerospace boost drives 1.5% increase in UK manufacturing output

lthough the value of motor vehicles and trailers produced in the UK fell by 3% (£664m) year-on-year, this was dwarfed by a 28% (£2bn) rise in the value of aircraft, spacecraft and related machinery manufactured in the UK, and a 26% (£507m) increased in the production of ships and boats.

There were significant gains in the production of food products, where output increased by 3.4% (£880m) year-on-year, and chemicals and pharmaceutical preparations, which rose 7.6% (£822m) from the previous year. The value of basic pharmaceutical products and preparations manufactured in the UK exceeded £7.9bn in the second quarter of 2025, 13% (£894m) 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 10.0% (£238m),
• Computer, electronic and electrical products output increased by 1.5% (£152m),
• Metals, metal products and machinery output was up 0.1% (£17m).

The value of coke and refined petroleum products output experienced the most significant decline, falling by 13.9% (£351m) year-on-year.

Other sectors where output had declined compared to the same period in 2024 were:

• Alcohol and tobacco products output was down by 1.8% (£107m),
• Paper, paper products and printed material output fell by 0.9% (£53m).

Chris Iveson, CEO at FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics (pictured), comments: “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.”

fourjaw.com