The South African rand was weaker on Monday as better-than-expected domestic manufacturing data failed to offset trade concerns, with the country scrambling to secure a lower tariff rate on its exports to the United States.

The South African rand strengthened against the dollar on Friday, erasing earlier losses after a key report showed the US labor market cooled sharply over the past three months.

Political analysts express doubts over South Africa's trade negotiations with US President Trump, as looming tariffs threaten to undermine the country's export competitiveness.

The South African rand was little changed on Friday as investors awaited details of President Cyril Ramaphosa's telephone call with his U.S. counterpart President Donald Trump on bilateral trade.