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Make UK's annual analysis of the sector shines a light on the latest manufacturing facts and statistics.

With an annual output of £183 billion, the UK remains the ninth largest manufacturing nation in the world. Our analysis debunks multiple myths, including the misconception that manufacturing jobs are poorly paid, with the average manufacturing wage being 12% higher than the whole economy.

 The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a substantial reduction in the UK's manufacturing sector output in 2020. However, Make UK forecasts indicate the sector's output value is on track to return to its pre-pandemic level by the end of 2022. Output values are calculated on the new ONS Blue Book 2021, hence the departure from previous year's figures. Manufacturing jobs remain better paid
Source: ONS - ASHE (2021) What subsectors grew the most in export terms? Export value average annual growth 2010-2020 Source: UK Trade Info (2010-2020) Where exports go
Source: UK Trade Info (2020) UK remains in the top ten of largest manufacturing countries GBP at current prices in millions (2019) Click a country to learn more Source: UNCTAD (2020), current GBP, latest data available UK manufacturing - the sector breakdown as % of total manufacturing (click any segment to find out more) Which manufacturing sectors lead on investment Total investment 2020 (£ billion real terms) £31 Billion Manufacturing total investment Export value average annual growth 2010-2020 Source: ONS (2020), Oxford Economics (2021) How the UK compares with other countries Click any segment to find out more
Source: ONS (2020), Oxford Economics (2021) How is manufacturing spread around the UK?
£15.6bn Manufacturing Output (2020) 227,000 People employed in manufacturing (2020) 95% Manufacturing salary as % of regional economy salary (2021)
95% Manufacturing salary as % of regional economy salary (2021)
£23.4bn Manufacturing Output (2020) 284,000 People employed in manufacturing (2020) 121.4% Manufacturing salary as % of regional economy salary (2021)
121.4% Manufacturing salary as % of regional economy salary (2021)
£18.3bn Manufacturing Output (2020) 209,000 People employed in manufacturing (2020) 126.3% Manufacturing salary as % of regional economy salary (2021)
126.3% Manufacturing salary as % of regional economy salary (2021)
£8.9bn Manufacturing Output (2020) 144,000 People employed in manufacturing (2020) 91% Manufacturing salary as % of regional economy salary (2021)
91% Manufacturing salary as % of regional economy salary (2021)
£11.3bn Manufacturing Output (2020) 147,000 People employed in manufacturing (2020) 128.3% Manufacturing salary as % of regional economy salary (2021)
128.3% Manufacturing salary as % of regional economy salary (2021)
£22.3bn Manufacturing Output (2020) 292,000 People employed in manufacturing (2020) 113.8% Manufacturing salary as % of regional economy salary (2021)
113.8% Manufacturing salary as % of regional economy salary (2021)
£18.1bn Manufacturing Output (2020) 264,000 People employed in manufacturing (2020) 121% Manufacturing salary as % of regional economy salary (2021)
121% Manufacturing salary as % of regional economy salary (2021)
£15.5bn Manufacturing Output (2020) 177,000 People employed in manufacturing (2020) 110% Manufacturing salary as % of regional economy salary (2021)
110% Manufacturing salary as % of regional economy salary (2021)
£5.3bn Manufacturing Output (2020) 94,000 People employed in manufacturing (2020) 111% Manufacturing salary as % of regional economy salary (2021)
111% Manufacturing salary as % of regional economy salary (2021)
£27.4bn Manufacturing Output (2020) 319,000 People employed in manufacturing (2020) 132.1% Manufacturing salary as % of regional economy salary (2021)
132.1% Manufacturing salary as % of regional economy salary (2021)
£18.2bn Manufacturing Output (2020) 293,000 People employed in manufacturing (2020) 121.7% Manufacturing salary as % of regional economy salary (2021)
121.7% Manufacturing salary as % of regional economy salary (2021)
£7.9bn Manufacturing Output (2020) 105,000 People employed in manufacturing (2020) 121.9% Manufacturing salary as % of regional economy salary (2021)
121.9% Manufacturing salary as % of regional economy salary (2021)

Available resources

Publication / Make UK