As predicted, Brexit has begun to rear its ugly head once again, causing a slowdown and massive strife for the fashion industry. The UK’s manufacturing sector has suffered under the pressures of political changes, with a mass slowdown in growth beginning in April.
The backwards movement for Britain comes as brands which previously outsourced their manufacturing began turning their backs on the country. Data from The Markit/CIPS United Kingdom manufacturing purchasing manager’s index, dubbed the PMI, saw a sharp decrease in activity for the sector. A reading of 53.1 for the month of April was shown, compared to the 55.1 rates recorded in the month previous. While the statistic may not appear too dramatic at first glance, this is the second quickest pace of decrease recorded by the sector in four and a half years.
Additionally, director of Markit, Rob Dobson, released a statement alongside the report which signalled that these numbers were only set to decrease further. “Overseas clients [are] acting now to re-route their supply chains away from the UK in advance of Brexit,” he shared.
