电太贵，英制造业强国地位不保？

Group 1 - The high energy prices have forced approximately 40% of UK businesses to reduce investments, threatening the country's status as a manufacturing powerhouse [1] - UK companies are facing electricity costs that are 70% higher and natural gas prices that are 60% higher compared to pre-Russia-Ukraine conflict levels [1] - Nearly 90% of businesses have experienced rising energy bills over the past five years, leading to reduced resources for investment in new equipment, low-carbon upgrades, or capacity expansion [1] Group 2 - The UK has the highest electricity costs among developed countries, with industrial prices nearly two-thirds higher than the median of International Energy Agency member countries [1] - Medium-sized enterprises in the UK face electricity prices that are about double the EU median, putting them at a competitive disadvantage and increasing the risk of production relocation abroad [1] - Even supported industries like steel have electricity costs 14%-25% higher than their counterparts in France and Germany [1] Group 3 - High energy costs have led to the closure or shutdown of energy-intensive industries, including chemicals, with companies resorting to layoffs or reduced working hours [2] - The profitability issues make it difficult for multinational companies to justify establishing new production lines in the UK, especially in competitive markets with cheaper energy [2] - The UK’s goods trade deficit reached £248.3 billion in 2025, widening by £30.5 billion from the previous year, despite a service trade surplus of £192 billion [2]