Output down 2.1%, ONS data reveals

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the index of manufacturing falling by 2.1% in November 2012 when compared with November 2011. The largest downward contributions came from the manufacture of food products, beverages & tobacco, which fell by 4.6%, chemicals & chemical products, down by 6.8% and the manufacture of wood and paper products, which fell by 7.5%. In contrast, the largest increases came from the manufacture of transport equipment, which rose by 6.8% and the manufacture of basic metals and metal products, which rose by 3.4%. The month on month figure showed manufacturing output down by 0.3% in November 2012 compared with October 2012. The biggest fall came from the manufacture of basic metals and metal products, which fell by 2.7%, the manufacture of electrical equipment, which fell by 6.4% and the manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products which fell by 3.4%. The largest increases came from the manufacture of transport equipment, which rose by 3.1% and the manufacture of machinery and equipment, which rose by 3.6%. The large month on month increase in the manufacture of transport equipment was largely due to an increase in the manufacture of motor vehicles. Commenting on the new data, senior economist at the manufacturers' organisation EEF, Andrew Johnson, said: "While it is disappointing to see another month of contraction, the strong performance in some areas shows the fortune of different sectors continues to diverge, with exposure to stronger markets beyond Europe an important factor. More recent indicators have also suggested that growth returned to the sector overall at the end of the year and, with progress in the United States reducing fiscal uncertainty there, some tentative signs for more optimism in 2013 are emerging."