The start of 2018 saw a further easing in the rate of expansion of the UK manufacturing sector. At 55.3 in January, the seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers' Index was down further from November's 51-month high and at its lowest level since June last year. That said, the PMI remained well above its long-run average of 51.7. The latest survey was conducted from 12-26 January.

Manufacturing output continued to rise at a solid pace, although the rate of expansion eased to a six-month low. Higher production reflected rising new order intakes, albeit the slowest in seven months, which increased through robust demand from both domestic and export clients.