WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. manufacturing contracted for a sixth straight month in August as factories continued to grapple with the impact of import tariffs, but an artificial intelligence spending boom is lending support to some segments of the industry.

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) said on Tuesday its manufacturing PMI edged up to 48.7 last month from 48.0 in July. A PMI reading below 50 indicates contraction in manufacturing, which accounts for 10.2% of the economy.

Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the PMI would rise to 49.0. Despite the persistent weakness in the PMI, businesses have been boosting spending on AI products, which is helping to offset some of the drag from import duties.

Spending on intellectual property products grew at its fastest pace in four y

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