Falling US sales hit Portmeirion

Sales in the UK are up despite a fall in the US

Falling sales in the US have caused Staffordshire ceramics manufacturer Portmeirion to warn its profits will be lower than expected.

The company, based in Stoke-on-Trent, told the Stock Exchange sales in the US - its largest market - had fallen by 13% since January.

Sales in the UK, the firm's second largest market, had risen by 10%.

The company said sales were currently 1.3% above last year's levels - significantly lower than budgeted.

Sales at the half-year point had been 5.6 % higher than the previous year.

The firm told the Stock Exchange: "The board remains committed to maintaining returns to shareholders and is confident in the long term viability of its business model."