UK PPI output index: chemicals and products
UK PPI output index: chemicals and products stood at 196.4 in Aug 2026, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is one of the indicators in the Producer price inflation table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Dec 2008 to Aug 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Producer price inflation table
| Indicator | 08-2026 | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Output price index by product group | |||||||||||
| C20 Chemicals and chemical products | 196.4 | 197.2 | 201.4 | 191.1 | 185.6 | 181 | 178.4 | 179.6 | 176.9 | 177.6 | |
| C21 Pharmaceutical products and preparations | 132.3 | 132.1 | 131.7 | 131 | 131 | 130.2 | 130.2 | 130.3 | 130.8 | 130.7 |
Understanding UK PPI output index: chemicals and products
Factory gate price movements for industrial chemicals, synthetic resins, fertilizers, paints, and basic pharmaceutical preparations manufactured within the United Kingdom are quantified by this output index. The series records prices charged by domestic chemical plants to industrial users and commercial distributors, while excluding imported chemical compounds and pharmaceutical retail distribution. Unlike consumer goods indices, this sector captures foundational industrial inputs whose pricing reflects complex chemical processing, petrochemical feedstock costs, and stringent regulatory compliance standards.
Interpreting this monthly data requires recognising that chemical manufacturing depends heavily on energy and imported hydrocarbon raw materials, making the index sensitive to upstream cost pressures. Early statistical estimates are subject to routine revisions as chemical producers submit delayed pricing schedules. Year-on-year comparisons provide the most reliable assessment of underlying inflationary trends, filtering out routine plant turnaround schedules and seasonal demand shifts. When comparing this index with downstream manufacturing sectors, analysts should observe that chemical price changes ripple widely across plastics, agriculture, and manufacturing supply chains. G
Frequently asked questions
- Does this index cover basic industrial chemicals and specialised pharmaceuticals?
- Yes, the category aggregates a diverse range of chemical manufacturing activities, spanning basic industrial chemicals, agrochemicals, paints, and specialised preparations.
- How do petrochemical feedstock costs influence these chemical prices?
- Since many chemical processes rely on oil and gas derivatives as raw inputs, fluctuations in energy and petrochemical markets directly impact the index.
- Are imported chemical products included in this domestic output measure?
- No, the geographic scope is strictly limited to manufacturing operations taking place within domestic chemical production facilities.