LONDON (Reuters) – A record share of British manufacturers reported rising new orders this month but global supply chain problems and labour shortages held back growth in output, a survey showed on Tuesday. The Confederation of British Industry’s monthly manufacturing order book balance rose to +22 in September from +18 in August, its highest level since records started in 1977. Still, the picture was weaker for export orders – which grew at their fastest since March 2019 – and the survey’s gauge of output growth fell to its lowest level since April. “Today’s survey highlights how amidst a variety of supply challenges, companies are beginning to struggle to meet high demand,” CBI deputy chief economist Anna Leach said. The record prices have strained the British energy sector, destroying the business model of smaller energy traders and sending shockwaves through the chemical and fertiliser markets, leading to a shortage of carbon dioxide used in food processing.

Source: MetroXpress September 21, 2021 09:56 UTC