Australia’s manufacturing sector was barely growing in September as border closures and coronavirus lockdowns continued to stifle activity, although the industry is hoping for a rebound in coming months as restrictions ease. The Australian Industry Group’s performance of manufacturing index eased 0.4 points to 51.2, just holding above the 50 level which separates growth in the sector from contraction. Ai Group chief executive Innes Willox said the solid recovery from late 2020 has all-but-stalled due to lockdowns in the nation’s two largest states, NSW and Victoria. “While sales and employment were both lower in September, there are bright spots on the horizon with new orders continuing to expand and production and finished stocks both rising at a faster pace than in August,” Mr Willox said. “Manufacturers are hoping that the prospect of restrictions being wound back will see a strong lift in performance over coming months.” Meanwhile, economists expect the …