London (CNN Business) The struggling UK economy is getting a boost from Brexit stockpiling.

UK GDP grew 0.3% in the three months to the end of February, the Office for National Statistics said Wednesday. Economists polled by Reuters were expecting an expansion of 0.2%.

Economists said the faster pace of growth was partly due to manufacturing businesses stockpiling materials and parts that would be harder to acquire if Britain crashes out of the European Union.

The Office for National Statistics said that it had seen evidence that manufacturers were engaged in stockpiling as the original Brexit deadline approached.

UK politicians have still not agreed a deal that would prevent a disorderly Brexit, which could lead to lengthy delays at the country's borders. The latest deadline to avoid leaving the European Union without a deal is Friday.

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