Mumbai, April 1 -- The UK manufacturing sector showed mixed signals in March, with output returning to contraction despite the overall PMI remaining in expansion territory, according to the latest survey.
The Manufacturing PMI eased to 51.0 from 51.7 in February, staying above the 50 mark for the fifth straight month. However, production declined for the first time in six months, mainly due to reduced output in the intermediate goods sector. Manufacturers scaled back activity amid rising uncertainty linked to geopolitical tensions, the Middle East conflict, and domestic policy concerns.
New orders continued to grow for the fourth consecutive month, although at a slower pace. Export demand also increased, supported by orders from key globa...