Manufacturing activity fell for the first time in almost two years last month, a survey showed.
The sector's upturn came to a halt last month after showing signs of easing in the first quarter of the year, according to the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS).
The CIPS' key activity barometer recorded a mark of 49.5 last month, the first time it has dipped below the critical no-change mark of 50 after 22 consecutive months above that level.
The deterioration in overall operating performance was mainly the result of a shortfall in incoming new orders, leading to a shortfall in production growth, the CIPS said.
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