DHAKA: UK industrial production fell in August, official figures have shown, hitting the recent run of upbeat economic news.

Industrial production fell by 0.4% between July and August, the Office for National Statistics said, partly due to a drop in oil and gas production.

Manufacturing rose 0.2%, although this followed a steep fall in July, reports the BBC.

Separate figures from the ONS showed that the UK's trade deficit widened in August.

The UK’s deficit on trade in goods and services was estimated at £4.7bn, compared with £2.2bn in July. The deficit on trade in goods alone widened by £2.6bn to £12.1bn.

The widening deficit comes despite hopes that the weaker pound - which is currently trading at the lowest rate in more than three decades against the dollar - will boost demand for British goods.

Exports rose by just £100m against expectations of a £4bn increase. Imports, however, rose by £2.6bn in August following a slump in July.

BDST: 1657 HRS, OCT 08, 2016
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