Billions more in shipbuilding and aerospace production ensure growth for UK manufacturing
The value of UK manufacturing output grew to £153.1 billion in Q1 2025, up 1.3% (£1.9 billion) from the same period in 2024, thanks largely to production gains worth more than £1 billion to the shipbuilding and aerospace manufacturing sectors, according to an analysis of ONS data by FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics.
The value of Automotive, Aerospace & Transport Equipment produced in the UK increased to £33.4 billion in Q1 2025, up 6.4% year-on-year, with a 60% (£1.1 billion) increase in the value of ships and boats built and a 17% (also £1.1 billion) increase in aircraft, spacecraft and related machinery production.
Shipbuilding in the UK was worth £2.8 billion in Q1 2025, while the value of aerospace manufacturing output was £7.7 billion. The value of motor vehicle & trailer manufacturing fell by £343 million (1.68%) in the same period.
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UK manufacturers also achieved year-on-year output gains in the following sectors:
- Metals, Metal Products & Machinery manufacturing output increased by £398m (3.4%)
- Food Products manufacturing output achieved gains worth £318m (1.3%)
- Paper, Paper Products & Printed Material manufacturing output improved by £295m (5.2%)
- Textiles, Apparel & Leather Products manufacturing output increased by £77m (3.2%)
The value of Chemicals & Pharmaceutical Preparations produced in the UK experienced the most significant decline, falling by £422m (3.8%) year-on-year.
Other sectors with declining output were:
- Coke & Refined Petroleum Products output fell by £89m (3.7%)
- Computer, Electronic & Electrical Products output declined by £60m (0.6%)
- Alcohol & Tobacco Products output was down by £38m (0.8%)
Chris Iveson, CEO at FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics, comments: “After achieving a record high in output in the final quarter of 2024, it is good to see UK manufacturing deliver further year-on-year growth in Q1 2025, and productivity improvements in most sectors. The fact that growth was achieved despite ongoing headwinds and additional global trade uncertainty is a credit to the resilience and adaptability of UK manufacturing.
“UK manufacturing is a growth industry again, but these are still challenging times. Rising costs make productivity and efficiency gains crucial for the long-term viability of most manufacturers today.”
