Manufactured exports remained weak in the UK last month despite a marginal improvement in orders.
The latest CBI industrial trends survey saw the measure for exports improve to a four-month high but at -13 the figure remained resolutely negative.
The study – which was based on the responses from almost 500 manufacturing businesses across the UK – found that overall activity within the sector was steady during December.
There was also confidence about future trade patterns with firms saying they expected output volumes to increase in the quarter ahead and prices paid would be marginally ahead.
“The loss of momentum in UK manufacturing earlier in the year seemed to have stabilised at the end of 2014,” the CBI said in its report commentary.
“Total order books remained strongly above average, although export orders remained somewhat weaker.
“Headline output growth held steady and is expected to ontinue at a similar pace in the coming three months.
“Inflation expectations picked up from recent lows, meanwhile, to a seven-month high.”
The plastic products and motor vehicle and transport equipment sectors were the largest contributors to growth during the month – with the latter pushing ahead to a nine-month high.
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Director of Economics, said the manufacturing landscape remained challenging and exporters were having to look hard for opportunities to grow their businesses overseas.
“The manufacturing sector is ending 2014 on a more upbeat note, having lost a little momentum earlier in the year,” Rain said.
“Export orders have improved, and output is expected to continue growing as we head into the New Year.
“However, the otherwise solid outlook for UK manufacturers is tempered by a challenging global backdrop.
“With Eurozone growth disappointing and some emerging markets facing a tough time, firms need to look harder for opportunities to ramp up exports to high-growth sectors across the globe.”