South Africa's factory sector grew in September after shrinking in the previous month and returned to expansionary territory for a second time this year in September, survey data from the Bureau for Economic Research showed on Wednesday.
The Absa Purchasing Managers' Index rose 2.7 points to 52.2 from 49.5 in August. A reading above 100 suggests expansion in activity. The measure had signaled growth for the first time in nine months in July.
The average PMI for the third quarter rose to 50.8 points, which was above the readings for the previous two quarters.
"The improvement has not been smooth, with volatility in the recovery of demand hampering sustained activity growth," the BER said.
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