Extract B: Trends in UK manufacturing
Figure 1: Index of manufacturing output 2003 to 2015, 1997 = 100
Figure 2: Manufacturing employment Jan–Mar 2003 to Oct–Dec 2015, thousands
Figure 3: Value of UK trade in goods 2003 to 2015, £ billion at current prices
Year
|
Exports
|
Imports
|
Balance
|
2003
|
188.5
|
239.5
|
–51.0
|
2004
|
191.6
|
253.5
|
–61.9
|
2005
|
212.1
|
282.2
|
–70.1
|
2006
|
244.0
|
322.9
|
–78.9
|
2007
|
223.0
|
313.5
|
–90.5
|
2008
|
254.6
|
349.6
|
–95.0
|
2009
|
229.1
|
315.7
|
–86.6
|
2010
|
270.2
|
367.6
|
–97.4
|
2011
|
308.2
|
401.7
|
–93.5
|
2012
|
304.3
|
410.8
|
–106.5
|
2013
|
306.2
|
421.5
|
–115.3
|
2014
|
293.7
|
416.9
|
–123.2
|
2015
|
285.6
|
410.7
|
–125.1
|
Figure 4: Annual average rate of growth in UK manufacturing output and real GDP, 1949 to 2015
Years
|
Average rate of growth of UK manufacturing (%)
|
Average rate of growth of UK real GDP (%)
|
1949 – 1973
|
3.4
|
3.4
|
1974 – 1992
|
0.1
|
1.9
|
1993 – 2007
|
0.9
|
3.0
|
2008
|
–2.8
|
–0.5
|
2009
|
–9.4
|
–4.2
|
2010 – 2015
|
1.1
|
2.0
|
Source: Official statistics for all data in Extract B
To what extent, if at all, do you consider that the UK manufacturing sector has been in decline since 2003? You must use the data in Extract B to support your assessment.