With increased relaxation of the Covid-led shutdowns, the manufacturing sector is gaining momentum in September, as the Purchasing Managers’ Index for September rose to 56.8, against 52 in August. This reading is the highest since January 2012.

The health of the sector showed improvement with accelerated increases in new orders and production, said IHS Markit. Exports bounced back, after six successive months of contraction, while inputs were purchased at a sharper rate and business confidence strengthened.