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UK factory orders show best performance since July 2023, CBI survey shows - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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UK factory orders show best performance since July 2023, CBI survey shows

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on September 22, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: September 22, 2026

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UK Factory Orders Show Best Performance Since July 2023, Says CBI Survey

CBI Survey Highlights Strong Recovery in UK Manufacturing

Factory Orders Reach New Highs

LONDON, Sept 22 (Reuters) - A gauge of British factory orders rose this month to reach its highest level since July 2023, a Confederation of British Industry survey showed on Tuesday.

Signs of Economic Resilience

The report adds to recent signs of resilience in Britain's economy, as well as solid increases in manufacturing output.

Expert Commentary

"There are growing signs that conditions are stabilising for manufacturers," said Cameron Martin, CBI senior economist.

Key Survey Findings

  • The CBI's monthly order books balance rose to -9 in September from -25 in August
  • It has jumped by 36 points over the last two months alone — the biggest such rise since records started 49 years ago
  • The survey's gauge of expectations for output in the months ahead also improved to its highest since March
  • The expected prices cooled to +12 from +22 in August
Reporting and Editorial Credits

(Reporting by Andy Bruce; editing by Suban Abdulla)

Key Takeaways

  • The Confederation of British Industry’s order‑books balance rose to –9 in September from –25 in August, marking the highest reading since July 2023 and a 36‑point gain over two months — the largest since records began (tradingeconomics.com).
  • Manufacturing output is strengthening: July saw a monthly increase of 0.9%, with quarterly output up 0.5% (three months to July) and 1.7% year‑on‑year (commonslibrary.parliament.uk).
  • Expected selling prices cooled notably, from +22 in August to +12 in September, suggesting easing cost pressures on manufacturers (cbi.org.uk).

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the latest CBI survey reveal about UK factory orders?
The CBI survey showed that UK factory orders reached their highest level since July 2023, indicating improvement in the sector.
How much did the CBI order books balance rise in September?
The CBI's monthly order books balance rose to -9 in September from -25 in August, marking a 36-point increase over two months.
What does the rise in factory orders indicate about the UK economy?
The sharp rise in factory orders suggests growing resilience and stabilising conditions in the British manufacturing sector.
What happened to expected factory prices according to the survey?
Expected prices eased, with the survey's gauge dropping to +12 in September from +22 in August.

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