£2 billion aerospace boost drives 1.5% increase in UK manufacturing output
The value of UK manufacturing output grew to £155.8 billion in Q2 2025, up 1.5% (£3.8 billion) from the same period in 2024, driven primarily by a 5.8% (£1.8 billion) increase in the value of output from the automotive, aerospace & transport equipment sector, according to an analysis of ONS data by FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics.
Although the value of motor vehicles and trailers produced in the UK fell by 3% (£664 m) year-on-year, this was dwarfed by a 28% (£2bn) rise in the value of aircraft, spacecraft and related machinery manufactured in the UK, and a 26% (£507m) increased in the production of ships and boats.
There were significant gains in the production of food products, where output increased by 3.4% (£880m) year-on-year, and chemicals & pharmaceutical preparations, which rose 7.6% (£822m) from the previous year. The value of basic pharmaceutical products & preparations manufactured in the UK exceeded £7.9bn in the second quarter of 2025, 13% (£894m) more than the year before.
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Year-on-year output gains were also achieved in the following manufacturing sectors:
- Textiles, apparel & leather products output achieved gains worth 10.0% (£238m),
- Computer, electronic & electrical products output increased by 1.5% (£152m),
- Metals, metal products & machinery output was up 0.1% (£17m).
The value of coke & refined petroleum products output experienced the most significant decline, falling by 13.9% (£351m) year-on-year.
Other sectors where output had declined compared to the same period in 2024 were:
- Alcohol & tobacco products output was down by 1.8% (£107m),
- Paper, paper products & printed material output fell by 0.9% (£53m).
Chris Iveson, CEO at FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics, comments: “It is fantastic to see further growth in the value of UK manufacturing output, especially in sectors such as aerospace and pharmaceuticals, where we have world-leading manufacturing capabilities. This growth and the productivity gains that have made it possible have been achieved despite significant global economic uncertainty, which is a testament to the innovation and adaptability of our vital manufacturing sector.”
