Russia’s manufacturing sector remained in contraction in September despite the seasonally adjusted S&P Global Russia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), a business activity gauge, rising to 49.8 from 48.8 in August. The 50-point threshold separates expansion from contraction. Output and total new orders both fell for a second consecutive month, while export orders declined for an 11th month and at their fastest pace since May 2022. Employment dropped for a 10th month, with job losses accelerating to their fastest pace since May. Cost pressures eased to a three-month low, output-price inflation slowed to its weakest since June, and supplier delivery times lengthened the most since October 2024 because of transport and logistics problems. Manufacturers became more optimistic about the year ahead, although confidence remained below the series average.