Mumbai, April 23 -- April data from the S&P Global Flash UK PMI survey signalled a decline in private sector output for the first time in one-and-a-half years. Weaker demand from international markets weighed on business activity in both the manufacturing and service sectors.
The latest figures indicated that total new work from abroad decreased sharply and at the fastest pace for nearly five years. Survey respondents widely commented on the negative impact of US tariffs and a subsequent slump in confidence among clients.
Business activity expectations among UK private sector firms also weakened in April. The degree of optimism towards the year ahead outlook slumped to its lowest since October 2022. Many survey respondents noted concerns ...