UK production output index: chemicals and chemical products
UK production output index: chemicals and chemical products stood at 92.8 in Jul 2026, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is one of the indicators in the Monthly GDP and output table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jan 1990 to Jul 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Monthly GDP and output table
| Indicator | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | 10-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Production output index by industry | |||||||||||
| 20 — Manufacture of chemicals and chemical products | 92.8 | 93.2 | 93.6 | 93.8 | 94.9 | 93.2 | 91.9 | 90.6 | 94.6 | 95.4 | |
| 21 — Manufacture of basic pharmaceutical prods & pharmaceutical preparations | 114.3 | 110.5 | 116.5 | 116.3 | 111.5 | 109.2 | 108.7 | 109.3 | 111.7 | 107.7 |
Understanding UK production output index: chemicals and chemical products
Chemical output monitors real gross value added generated by factories transforming organic and inorganic raw materials across the United Kingdom into petrochemicals, agrochemicals, paints, and specialty compounds. Distinct from basic pharmaceuticals or rubber production, this series isolates chemical transformation processes, capturing deflated turnover and physical volume indicators sourced from mandatory business surveys. Activities span basic chemical synthesis right through to formulated consumer cleaning preparations.
Interpreting monthly swings requires accounting for volatile feedstock costs and scheduled plant maintenance turnarounds which frequently disrupt production schedules. Analysts should examine consecutive month-on-month movements alongside year-on-year comparisons to filter out seasonal chemical demand cycles. Revisions routinely occur as late survey returns arrive from major industrial operators, occasionally altering early growth estimates significantly before final seasonal adjustment parameters lock.
Frequently asked questions
- What products are included in the chemical manufacturing index?
- It covers basic chemicals, fertilizers, plastics in primary forms, paints, inks, soaps, and cleaning preparations across the United Kingdom.
- How does this series handle changes in chemical prices?
- The index strips out price inflation using detailed producer price indices to ensure it measures real physical output volumes rather than monetary turnover.
- Why might chemical output fluctuate sharply from month to month?
- Heavy process industries often experience abrupt volatility due to large-scale facility maintenance shutdowns and sudden shifts in global feedstock commodity prices.