EEF comment on PMI data

“This is mildly encouraging start to the second quarter with a pick up in manufacturing in April following growth in official figures in February and March. While still not in positive territory overall, the data indicates a vital revival in export orders with demand from markets in the Americas and Middle East compensating for the continued weakness in Europe. This is especially positive as the UK sorely needs an improvement in trade if we are to make faster progress on rebalancing growth.”