The overall Mid-America Business Conditions Index fell -0.7 pts to 49.8 in September, falling back below the neutral level after briefly returning to growth in August.

• The regional manufacturing sector shed jobs for the sixth straight month.
• Approximately 60% of supply managers reported that higher tariffs were having little or no impact on their purchasing decisions.
• Both imports and exports weakened for the month.
• According to the latest U.S. International Trade Administration (ITA) data, regional exports of manufactured goods sank by $3.1 billion, compared to the same period in 2024, for a 5.5% decline.
• Wholesale prices increased from the previous month and remained at elevated levels.