The UK’s manufacturing industry has taken a momentous leap, advancing to the eighth position globally and surpassing France. This notable ascent is highlighted in the recent ‘Manufacturing – The Facts’ report by Make UK, showcasing the vitality and upward trajectory of the sector.
This report, rich with data, underscores the manufacturing sector’s substantial contribution to the UK’s economy, including exports, industry breakdowns, international comparisons, and salary benchmarks.
In the report’s spotlight is the revelation that UK manufacturing output reached an impressive $272 billion in 2021, edging out France’s $262 billion and closing in on Italy at $314 billion. Additionally, the ONS data from 2022 indicates UK manufacturing output hit £224 billion, a testament to the sector’s robustness.
Make UK’s vision, which 4Sure Recruitment echoes, is ambitious yet attainable: achieving a manufacturing GDP target of 15%, which could inject an additional £142 billion into the UK economy. By aspiring to match Italy’s seventh rank, the UK could further solidify its status as a manufacturing powerhouse.
In the global landscape, the US continues to lead as the UK’s paramount export destination, with goods valued at £56.7 billion in 2022. While the Netherlands has recently outpaced Germany as the second-largest export market, Make UK suggests that this figure might be skewed due to goods transiting via Rotterdam.
The EU remains an indispensable partner, with six of the top 10 export destinations nestled within it. The collective worth of these EU markets is approximately £150 billion, dwarfing exports to the US and China and underscoring the critical nature of smoothing trade relations with the UK’s primary export region.
Regionally, the North West stands tall as the UK’s manufacturing hub, with an output worth £28.2 billion and a workforce of 314,000. Manufacturing constitutes nearly 15% of the North West’s economic output, significantly higher than the national average. Wales, with manufacturing making up 17.3% of its economy, showcases the sector’s prominence and potential for growth.
At 4Sure Recruitment, specialising in manufacturing and engineering recruitment, we’re poised to support the industry’s surge. We’re committed to connecting the finest talent with leading manufacturers, helping to sustain this growth and drive the UK further up the global rankings.
