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UK Manufacturing Struggles as Output Forecasts Decline

2/20/2026

26 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The CBI industrial trends survey shows British manufacturing orders remain below average, with February's balance at -28, down from -30 in January and far below the -14 average.
Manufacturers expect output to decline over the next three months.
Labour government unveils a £2bn industrial strategy to lower energy costs, delayed until 2027.
The Federation of Small Businesses warns many members face cost pressures and urges the chancellor to act.

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Story summary

The CBI industrial trends survey shows British manufacturing orders remain below average, with February's balance at -28, down from -30 in January and far below the -14 average.
Manufacturers expect output to decline over the next three months.
Labour government unveils a £2bn industrial strategy to lower energy costs, delayed until 2027.
The Federation of Small Businesses warns many members face cost pressures and urges the chancellor to act.