UK Manufacturing: The Facts 2025
Your definitive guide to the state of UK industry
08.09.2025
The UK has climbed to 11th in global manufacturing rankings, with output valued at $279 billion, as the sector continues to punch above its weight. Discover how British industry is evolving, where it’s thriving, and why it remains a cornerstone of the national economy in UK Manufacturing: The Facts 2025.
- Global Standing: UK rises one spot to 11th in global manufacturing output
- Export Partners: 7 of the top 10 export destinations are in the EU, with the US still leading as the largest single market
- Sector Strength: Food & Drink and Transport dominate as the UK’s largest manufacturing subsectors
- Regional Leaders:
- North West England tops the charts for total output
- Wales leads in manufacturing’s share of regional GDP
- Salary Surge: Average manufacturing wages up nearly 7%, now significantly outpacing both services and the broader economy
- Sector-by-sector breakdown of UK manufacturing
- Export trends and international trade relationships
- Regional performance and economic impact
- Employment, wages, and workforce insights
- Comparative analysis with global manufacturing leaders
Manufacturing remains a vital engine of the UK economy - driving innovation, exports, and high-quality employment. This report offers policymakers, business leaders, and industry professionals the data they need to shape the future of British manufacturing.
These figures reflect not just the importance of manufacturing to the economy but factors and trends which are redrawing the contours of the global economy at an accelerating rate. These trends reinforce why it was vital to introduce a long term industrial strategy to take competitive advantage of our undoubted strengths. This will ensure the UK retains its place at the top table of advanced manufacturing where it has many world class sectors.
