UK Manufacturing Activity Hits Nine-Month Low

The United Kingdom's manufacturing sector experienced a significant downturn in November, reaching a nine-month low with a score of 48.0, a decline of 1.9 index points from the previous month, according to the final report released by S&P Global on Monday.

The report attributed this slump to ongoing concerns surrounding the economic outlook, costs, and weak demand, which led to cutbacks in staffing, purchasing, and inventory holdings within the manufacturing sector.

Furthermore, the export climate remained unfavorable, as weaker demand from key markets such as the US, China, and the EU resulted in a further drop in new export business, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence Director Rob Dobson. He also warned that supply chain concerns intensified due to the Red Sea crisis, port disruptions, and border regulation issues.