Exports plummet despite weak pound - Business - Evening Standard
       

Exports plummet despite weak pound

Exports fell off a cliff this month in a devastating blow to manufacturers hoping the weak pound would boost demand from overseas.

A survey by the CBI today showed a sharp increase in firms reporting below-par export orders despite sterling's plummeting value.

CBI deputy director-general John Cridland said: "The weak pound has made UK exports more competitive, but this advantage has been outweighed by falling global demand."

The CBI said just 7% of manufacturers reported better-than-normal export orders in the first two weeks of February, compared with 57% reporting worse than normal.

The rounded balance of 49% was the worst reading since November 2001 in the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks.

Meanwhile, a balance of 44% of manufacturers are braced for further struggles ahead — the bleakest outlook since September 1980.

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