Finance
UK industrial orders remain in the doldrums, CBI says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 19, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 19, 2026
Quick Summary
UK industrial orders stayed weak, with the CBI order book balance at -28 in February after -30 in January. Price expectations eased to +26 from +29 as factories face high energy costs, trade headwinds and elevated interest rates.
UK factory orders remain weak, CBI warns as cost pressures bite
CBI Industrial Trends: Orders and Prices
LONDON, Feb 19 (Reuters) - British industrial orders have fallen heavily again and price pressures remain high, the Confederation of British Industry said on Thursday.
Order Book Balance and Long-Run Average
The CBI's monthly order book balance stood at -28 in February compared with -30 in January. The index level remains well below its long-run average of -14.
Manufacturers' Role and Headwinds
Britain's manufacturers - who account for about 9% of British economic output - have had to contend with a surge in energy costs, the fallout from U.S. President Donald Trump's trade tariffs and high interest rates.
Price Expectations and Cost Pressures
The survey's gauge of expected prices stood at +26 having risen to +29 in January, the highest reading since February 2023 when Britain was suffering from an energy price shock following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Demand, Confidence and Customers
Cameron Martin, CBI senior economist, said many firms reported their customers were still cautious due to low confidence and the strong cost pressures.
Responses and Sample Size
Survey Scope and Timing
The survey was based on responses from 305 manufacturers received between January 26 and February 12.
Reporting Credits
(Writing by William Schomberg; editing by Suban Abdulla)
Key Takeaways
- •CBI order book balance was -28 in February 2026, after -30 in January, remaining below the long‑run average of -14.
- •Manufacturers still face strong cost pressures from energy and financing, weighing on orders and sentiment.
- •The survey’s expected prices gauge was +26; January’s +29 was the highest since February 2023.
- •UK manufacturers account for roughly 9% of national economic output, highlighting sector importance.
- •Survey responses came from 305 manufacturers between January 26 and February 12, per CBI.
Frequently Asked Questions about UK industrial orders remain in the doldrums, CBI says
1What is the main topic?
The CBI’s February 2026 Industrial Trends Survey shows UK industrial orders remain weak, with the order book balance at -28 and price pressures still elevated.
2How did February compare to January?
Orders improved slightly from -30 in January to -28 in February, but the level remains well below the long‑run average of -14, indicating continued weakness.
3What is happening with prices?
Expected selling prices registered +26 in February, easing from +29 in January. While off the peak, this still signals persistent cost and inflation pressures.
