JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -South African manufacturing sentiment improved in September, driven by strong domestic demand, a purchasing managers’ index (PMI) survey showed on Wednesday.

The seasonally-adjusted PMI sponsored by South African bank Absa rose to 52.2 points in September from 49.5 in August.

It was only the second time this year that the PMI has been above 50 points, reflecting an expansion in activity.

“The domestic market drove the recovery as global demand remained under pressure and is complicated by steep US tariffs, a challenging trading environment, and lingering SA port issues,” Absa said in a statement accompanying the survey’s results.

U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 30% tariff on South African exports to the U.S. in August, the highest rate in Sub-Saharan Afric

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