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April 2025 Industrial Output Prices: Mining and Quarrying Surge as Water Supply Dips

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 30, 2025

Official data released by the Statistical Service reveals a notable shift in industrial output prices for April 2025, with the mining and quarrying sector registering the strongest annual gains. Prices in this segment surged by 7.4%, while water supply and materials recovery experienced a sharp annual decline of 5.3%.

Overall Trends in Industrial Output Prices

The Index of Industrial Output Prices advanced by 0.2% in April to reach 122.2 units, anchored by the 2021 reference year. This monthly increase reiterated the annual growth trajectory, aligning consistently with the year-on-year performance. However, the cumulative index from January to April 2025 indicated a marginal contraction of 0.1% in comparison to the same period in 2024.

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Sector-Specific Performance Highlights

On a month-to-month basis, the manufacturing sector posted a 0.5% increase in output prices, whereas the mining and quarrying segment maintained stability. In contrast, water supply and materials recovery fell by 3.7%, and electricity supply showed a slight 0.1% decrease. These disparate movements underline the diverse challenges and momentum across various industrial sectors.

Annual Performance Recap

Over the year, mining and quarrying emerged as the standout sector with a robust 7.4% increase, followed by a modest 0.9% gain in manufacturing. Conversely, water supply and materials recovery continued to struggle with a significant 5.3% downturn, while electricity supply declined by 1.8% relative to April 2024.

Detailed Manufacturing Sector Analysis

Within the manufacturing realm, several divisions experienced noteworthy price hikes. The manufacture of electronic and optical products, along with electrical equipment, led the pack with a 6.7% rise. Other categories such as furniture, general manufacturing, and machinery repair and installation each saw gains of 3.9%, closely followed by paper and printing at the same rate. Meanwhile, textiles, wearing apparel, and leather products grew by 3.3%, and the category including refined petroleum products, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals increased by 2.5%. Machinery and equipment, encompassing motor vehicles and other transport equipment, reported a 2.2% rise. Notably, the manufacture of food products, beverages, and tobacco products was the only division to register an annual decline, falling by 0.7%.

This comprehensive data offers valuable insight into the evolving dynamics of industrial market pricing. Investors and industry leaders will find these trends indicative of underlying sectoral shifts and market pressures, necessitating strategic recalibrations in response to the varying growth trajectories.

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Bank Of England Holds Rates At 3.75% In Split Vote As Inflation Risks Rise

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 17, 2026

The Bank of England kept its benchmark interest rate at 3.75% on Thursday, but the decision was not unanimous. In a 6-3 vote, the Monetary Policy Committee kept rates unchanged, while three members backed a 25-basis-point increase to 4%. Renewed energy price pressures have added to concerns that inflation could remain elevated.

Inflation Pressures Remain

Policymakers said inflation “is likely to rise further over coming quarters,” citing higher and more volatile crude oil and refined energy prices since the conflict began.

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So far, there has been “little evidence” of significant second-round effects, such as broader wage and price increases. Inflation risks, however, are now “tilted to the upside” and have increased since the July Monetary Policy Report.

Energy Prices Add To Inflation Risks

Brent crude has risen 36% since July, reaching $106 a barrel on Sept. 14, while UK wholesale gas prices increased 78% to 207 pence per therm.

Higher energy costs can feed into transport, production and household expenses, raising costs across supply chains. Refinery pressures have also pushed crack spreads, the difference between refined fuel and crude prices, well above pre-conflict levels.

Economy Shows Resilience

Despite the inflation risks, UK economic activity has held up slightly better than the Bank expected. A softer labor market and higher borrowing costs are expected to help reduce inflation over time.

Previous monetary tightening is still working through the economy, according to policymakers. So far, the latest energy shock has not produced clear evidence of a broader wage-price spiral.

Major Central Banks Take Different Paths

The decision comes during a busy period for global monetary policy. The Federal Reserve raised rates Wednesday to 3.75%-4% in its first increase since 2023, while the European Central Bank recently lifted its deposit rate to 2.5%.

The Bank of Japan is due to announce its decision Friday, with markets expecting a rate increase. Thursday’s split vote shows that pressure for tighter policy remains within the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.