UK manufacturing hit by turmoil in China

Manufacturers' organisation halves forecast for sector as economic slowdown in far east compounds export woes

The economic downturn in China has compounded pressures on UK manufacturers and hit their output and exports, a leading business group will warn on Monday as it slashes its outlook for the sector.

Sales to the domestic consumer market and booming car production have not been enough to make up for a drop in overseas demand, says the manufacturers' organisation EEF. Those manufacturers making mechanical equipment have been particularly hard hit as waning orders from China coincide with flagging demand from the oil and gas sector, itself hit by a plunging oil price.