UK CBI Industrial Trends Orders: January Print Shows Easing Downturn

The latest CBI Industrial Trends Orders survey for the UK, released February 19, 2026, reveals a modest improvement in manufacturing order books. January’s headline figure of -28 outperformed both December’s -30 and consensus estimates of -25. The data, sourced directly from the Confederation of British Industry, provides a timely snapshot of manufacturing sector health and forward demand signals.^[1]

Table of Contents

• Big-Picture Snapshot
• Foundational Indicators
• Chart Dynamics
• Forward Outlook
• Closing Thoughts

Chart Dynamics

January’s CBI Industrial Trends Orders improved to -28 from December’s -30, marking the least negative result since September’s -27. The 12-month average stands at -31, with the series having reached a low of -38 in October. Compared to May’s -30 and June’s -33, the latest reading signals a gradual easing in the pace of decline.

Year-over-year, January’s figure is 1 point better than March 2025’s -29, but the indicator remains well below pre-pandemic norms. The last time the index was positive was in early 2018.

What This Chart Tells Us: The CBI Industrial Trends Orders index has moved off its October trough, but order books remain deeply negative. The recent improvement is modest, suggesting stabilization rather than a robust rebound. Sustained gains above -20 would be needed to signal a material shift in manufacturing momentum.

Key Markets Reacting to CBI Industrial Trends Orders

The CBI Industrial Trends Orders survey can influence UK asset prices, especially in the manufacturing and currency sectors. Below are verified tradable symbols from Sigmanomics, each with a brief note on their relationship to the indicator.

• BA (BAE Systems): Sensitive to shifts in UK industrial sentiment and export orders.
• GBPUSD: Moves on UK macro data surprises, including manufacturing surveys.
• BTCUSD: Occasionally reacts to broad risk sentiment shifts following UK economic releases.

FAQ: UK CBI Industrial Trends Orders: January Print Shows Easing Downturn

What is the CBI Industrial Trends Orders indicator?

The CBI Industrial Trends Orders measures the balance of UK manufacturers reporting higher versus lower order volumes, providing a timely gauge of industrial demand.

How did the January reading compare to previous months?

January’s -28 was an improvement from December’s -30 and marked the least negative result since September’s -27.

Why do markets watch this indicator?

Markets monitor the CBI Industrial Trends Orders for early signals on manufacturing momentum, which can influence UK equities, sterling, and rates.

UK manufacturing order books are stabilizing, but remain far from robust.

Updated 2/19/26

This has been drafted with AI assistance and then thoroughly reviewed, refined, and approved by our human editorial team to ensure accuracy, and originality.

1. [1] Confederation of British Industry, CBI Industrial Trends Orders Survey, official release 2/19/26, historical data 2023–2026.