UK manufacturing sees input costs and selling prices rise at record rates in June

According to the report from IHS Markit/CIPS, manufacturing remained in a strong growth phase in June, with rates of expansion in output, new orders and employment among the best seen during the near 30-year survey history. Industry was still beset by supply-chain and distribution difficulties, however, leading to longer vendor lead times and disruption to production schedules.

The seasonally adjusted PMI dipped slightly to 63.9 in June, down from May's record high of 65.6. The PMI has signalled an improvement for 13 successive months. Manufacturing production increased at marked rates across the consumer, intermediate and investment goods industries during June. Growth was supported by strong intakes of new business, which rose at a rate close to May's record high.

Improved demand was linked to the ongoing easing of COVID-19 restrictions, re-opening of the economy from lockdown and improving global market conditions. New export orders increased again, reflecting inflows of new work from mainland Europe, the US and Asia. The strong upswing in global market conditions combined with constraints introduced to combat the COVID-19 pandemic continued to result in considerable supply-chain and price inflationary pressures in June.

Average input costs rose at the fastest pace in the survey history, with over three-quarters (77%) of manufacturers reporting an increase. A wide range of raw materials were up in price, including chemicals, electronics, energy, food products, metals, plastics and timber. Cost pressures were exacerbated by demand outstripping supply, logistic delays and raw material shortages.

Employment rose at a rate close to May's record high during June. Jobs growth reflected capacity issues – highlighted by near-record accumulation of work backlogs – and optimism among manufacturers. Almost 63% of companies expect production to rise over the coming year, reflecting reduced uncertainty regarding COVID 19 and Brexit and improving global market conditions.