BEIJING (AP) — Two surveys of Chinese manufacturing show demand is weak amid a mounting tariff war with Washington over trade and technology.

The business magazine Caixin said Monday its monthly purchasing managers' index rose to 50.4 from July's 49.9 on a 100-point scale on which numbers above 50 show activity increasing.

The magazine said that indicated "renewed improvement" but said its gauge of new orders fell to its lowest level this year.

A separate survey released Saturday by an industry group, the China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing, showed activity declining to 49.5 from July's 49.7. It said market demand was "relatively weak."

Chinese exporters are struggling in the face of U.S. tariff hikes. Beijing has propped up economic growth by boosting government spending on construction.