For only the fourth time since July 2024, the overall, or Business Conditions Index, climbed above growth neutral to 52.0 in February.

• For a fifth straight month, the wholesale price inflation gauge increased, indicating expanding inflationary pressures. Even so, Goss expects the Federal Reserve to hold off on any interest rate change at its next meeting on March 18-19.
• On average, supply managers expect tariffs, if implemented, to increase input prices by 9.6%.
• Fears of rising tariffs pushed imports to a record-high level.
• According to 2024 U.S. International Trade Administration data, the regional economy expanded 2024 manufacturing exports by $1.0 billion from 2023 for a 1.1% gain.
• In terms of 2023 to 2024 export gainers and losers, Minnesota registered the top increase with a $2.1 billion addition, while North Dakota recorded the largest loss with a $3.1 billion reduction in the export of manufactured goods.