The survey of 432 manufacturers found that total order books and export order books were strong in August. The firming in export orders relative to the previous month reflected rising orders in 10 of the 17 manufacturing sub-sectors, led by mechanical engineering and aerospace.

Output growth remained strong and broad based and is expected to remain so over the next quarter. Meanwhile, firms' expectations for output price inflation picked up again after having eased briefly. However, they remained lower than in the first half of 2017.

Stocks were considered to be just above adequate levels, after dipping below in July, but remained below the long-run average.