Pre - Brexit tensions subsided in May , having boosted economic growth in Q1 2019 . The UK 's manufacturing industry saw its sharpest decline since July 2016 as orders fell . Some had predicted the IHS Markit / CIPS ( Manufacturing Purchasing Managers ’ Index ( UK ) would fall from 53.1 in April to 52.0 . In fact , it fell to 49.4 , auguring ill for Q2 economic growth figures . REUTERS/ Exports fell sharply , amid global tensions and as European companies try to protect their supply chains from the impact of further Brexit uncertainty .
Pre - Brexit tensions subsided in May , having boosted economic growth in Q1 2019 . The UK 's manufacturing industry saw its sharpest decline since July 2016 as orders fell . Some had predicted the IHS Markit / CIPS ( Manufacturing Purchasing Managers ’ Index ( UK ) would fall from 53.1 in April to 52.0 . In fact , it fell to 49.4 , auguring ill for Q2 economic growth figures . Exports fell sharply , amid global tensions and as European companies try to protect their supply chains from the impact of further Brexit uncertainty .