FX.co ★ UK Industrial Orders Fall at Slower Pace: CBI

The overall balance of the UK's total order book improved to -30 in January 2026, rising from -32 in December and beating analysts' predictions of -33, as reported by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Although this figure suggests that the decline in industrial orders is at its slowest since September, it remains considerably below the long-term average. In contrast, the expected prices index climbed to +29, reaching its highest point since February 2023. Ben Jones, a Senior Lead Economist at the CBI, explained: “Manufacturers are contending with extremely challenging conditions, with both output and orders continuing to fall. Many companies have reported that clients are delaying decisions, limiting orders to essentials, or holding back entirely, resulting in sparse order books and fragile confidence. Concurrently, rising costs—driven by wages, energy, and taxes—are compressing margins and affecting competitiveness, leading firms to plan price hikes even though demand is weak.”