LONDON, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- British manufacturing confidence sentiment worsened in the quarter to January, according to a survey published by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Wednesday.

Covering 326 manufacturing firms, the survey showed that 11 percent of them felt more optimistic about the business situation than three months ago, while 34 percent were less optimistic, indicating the fastest decline since July 2016.

Optimism about export prospects for the year ahead fell 32 percent in the three months to January, lower than 15 percent decrease in October last year, deteriorating at the fastest pace since January 2009.

Anna Leach, CBI head of Economic Intelligence, said: "The manufacturing sector is clearly feeling the pinch of Brexit uncertainty, with worsening business sentiment coinciding with an ongoing reluctance to invest in new facilities, machinery, innovation and training."

"With uncertainty risking paralysis among manufacturers, it is vital for politicians to compromise and break the Brexit deadlock, paving the way for UK manufacturers to continue trading in global markets with minimal disruption," she added.

Tom Crotty, Chair of CBI Manufacturing Council, said: "The last quarter has been a challenging one for manufacturers, who are understandably bracing themselves for the frightening prospect of a 'no deal' Brexit."

He highlighted that uncertainty has strongly held back growth and investment in the manufacturing sector.

"It is vital that the government finds a positive solution to the current Brexit deadlock so firms can continue to compete both at home and abroad," he said.