Japan's manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 49.9 in August from 48.9 in July but stayed below 50 mark, signalling contraction for a second month. Export demand slid for fifth straight month amid US President Donald Trump's tariffs, with exports down 2.6% YoY in July. Rising input costs, weak pricing power squeezed margins, though services growth lifted the composite PMI to 51.9.