Latest numbers from one of the UK’s biggest manufacturing industries show the difficulties of the current economic situation.
The Q3 business survey results in the chemical sector show a first fall in sales since the height of the pandemic.
Sales are expected to continue falling in the final quarter of 2022 and the start of 2023 as the UK braces for a turbulent winter.
The Chemical Industries Association’s Chief Executive Steve Elliott said: “It’s never good to see that over 40% of companies are seeing sales fall in the third quarter alone. Apart from the economic challenges, persistent supply chain challenges are causing delays in meeting orders.
“With inflation sitting at almost 10% and expected to rise in the coming months, the cost-of-living crisis is continuing to dampen demand through the second half of 2022 and we think will do so in the first part of 2023. The Energy Bill Relief Scheme provides businesses with much needed insulations against rising energy costs over the winter however we’re far from out of the woods. It’s going to be a tough winter.
“We eagerly await and stand ready to inform the Government review into the energy relief scheme, which is to be published in early January 2023. We need though something more long term if we are to maintain current, and attract new, investment and jobs in to the UK.
“I am encouraged that if we get through the coming months, then companies in our survey expect sales, production and new orders to be higher in a year’s time than at present, however these forecasts contain a high level of uncertainty.”
Major UK manufacturing sector facing difficult time
