UK Manufacturing Growth Surges to 1-1/2-Year High, Trade Deficit Narrows

British manufacturing output rose in September at the fastest monthly pace since April 2014 and the country’s goods trade deficit narrowed more than expected, official data showed on Friday.

The Office for National Statistics said manufacturing output surged 0.8 percent in September, compared with a 0.4 percent increase in August. Economists polled by Reuters had expected only a 0.4 percent increase.

Manufacturing and trade have mostly dragged on Britain’s strong economic recovery over the past couple of years.

Manufacturers have struggled this year due to weak demand from crisis-stricken Europe and a sharp strengthening of the pound, although one survey this week suggested their fortunes improved in October.

Reuters

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