UK Factory Orders Remain Weak in July: CBI

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) survey showed that the UK’s total order book balance rose slightly to -30 in July 2025, up from -33 in June, though it fell short of market expectations for -28.

The data highlights ongoing weakness in the manufacturing sector, with British firms experiencing a sharp contraction in orders for the 36th consecutive month.

The survey also revealed an uptick in expected average selling prices, with the balance rising to +21 from +19 in June.

“Conditions in UK manufacturing remain challenging, with many firms reporting subdued and unpredictable demand,” said Ben Jones, lead economist at the CBI.