The UK manufacturing sector remained under pressure in April, with the S&P Global Manufacturing PMI rising slightly to 45.4 from March's 44.9, the S&P Global revealed in its report on Thursday.

The data released highlighted declines in output, new orders, and employment, amid mounting concerns over global trade tensions and rising input costs. Manufacturers cited worsening market conditions, weaker client confidence, and heightened uncertainty, especially surrounding potential US tariffs.

Export demand fell at the sharpest pace in nearly five years, with notable drops in orders from the US, Europe, and China. Rob Dobson, Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said firms are being "buffeted by adverse global market conditions" and that "US tariff announcements were having a noticeable impact on global markets."