The survey, of 409 firms, revealed that output growth slowed in the three months to September, but remained above the long-term average.

Output expanded in 10 out of 17 sub-sectors, with growth driven predominantly by the mechanical engineering, food, drink & tobacco, plastic products, and metal products sectors. Manufacturers expect output growth to pick up over the next three months.

Meanwhile, total order books weakened slightly again but remained well above the long-run average. Export order books also faded a little to their weakest in almost a year, but likewise remained well above the long run average.

Expectations for output price inflation remained firmly above the long-run average, while stocks of finished goods remained adequate but below the long-run average.