Regional manufacturing expanded last month, according to Creighton University’s April Mid-America Business Conditions Index..The index increased to 56.0 in April from 55.6 in March, marking a third straight month above the growth-neutral mark of 50. The nine-state survey showed slight improvement in manufacturing activity, with job gains for a second consecutive month. However, the employment index edged down to 50.2, with federal data showing the region has lost 18,600 manufacturing jobs over the past year.Business confidence weakened, with the outlook index falling to 36.7 from 53.2 in March amid inflation concerns and supply chain instability. “I expect rising energy prices, along with supply chain disruptions, to push the confidence index even lower in the coming months,” said Ernie Goss, professor of economics at Creighton University Heider College of Business. Inventories fell, while export orders remained below growth-neutral for an eighth straight month and imports continued to contract. Inflation pressures intensified, with the wholesale price index jumping six points to a two-year high of 75.6 amid supply disruptions and higher energy costs linked to the Iran conflict. A third of supply managers reported input shortages tied to the conflict, contributing to increased costs and slower delivery times.Regionally, business conditions varied. Minnesota and Missouri posted strong readings above 65, while Nebraska fell below growth-neutral at 46.4. Other states showed mixed results, with several still experiencing manufacturing job losses over the past year.
