CSO figures show manufacturing production fell in August

Official figures showing a slowdown in the huge pace of manufacturing production this year has raised the first warning about the outlook for exports.

A huge expansion in exports, helped by the slump in the euro against sterling and the dollar in the past year, has driven the recovery for the past two years.

However, analysts now say the fall in manufacturing output means an amber light is flashing, suggesting the enormous increases in exports could ease off dramatically.