The UK Manufacturing PMI eased to 51.5 in August 2026, the lowest level in five months, from 51.9 in July, flash data showed. Manufacturing production growth slowed, increasing only marginally in August and at the weakest pace for five months, as geopolitical uncertainties and elevated cost pressures kept growth contrained. The rate of input cost inflation accelerated for the first time in four months, reflecting the impact of fuel surcharges, higher transportation bills and rising raw materials prices, while also increase food costs. Contrained budgets and elevated risk aversion were reported as factors that continued to weigh on order books. Average cost burdens increased sharply in August and the rate of inflation quickened from July's five-month low.