Factory gate prices (output prices) rose 3.6% on the year to March 2017, from 3.7% in February 2017, which is the ninth consecutive period of annual price growth.

Prices for materials and fuels which are paid by UK manufacturers for processing (input prices) rose 17.9% on the year, which is a slight decrease from February 2017; this is the ninth consecutive period of annual price growth.

Prices of imported materials and fuels increased 17.1% on the year to March 2017, which is the second consecutive month inflation from imported materials and fuels has been lower than total inputs.

A recent spike in export prices following the depreciation of sterling resulted in a boost to export turnover for manufacturers of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers.