According to Creighton University's Ernie Goss, the monthly Mid-America Manufacturing Economy Ends 2024 on
a Down Note with Job Losses, Rising Inflation and Trade Issues.
December 2024 Survey Highlights:
* For the seventh time this year, the overall, or Business Conditions Index, fell below growth neutral.
* For a third straight month, the wholesale price inflation gauge rose.
* The region’s employment index slumped below growth neutral for the 12th straight month.
* Despite falling manufacturing employment, approximately one in five firms reported labor shortages.
* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that regional manufacturing employment fell by 4,500 jobs for 2024.
During the same period, U.S. manufacturing employment sank by 73,000 jobs.
For the seventh straight month, Nebraska’s overall index rose above growth neutral. The state’s December
Business Conditions Index
expanded to a regional high 58.6, up from 57.0 in November. According to the latest U.S. International Trade
Administration data, Nebraska expanded 2024 year-to-date manufacturing exports by $118.3 million from the
same period in 2023 for a 2.4% gain.
The December Business Conditions Index for South Dakota climbed to 46.5 from November’s 42.6. According to
the latest U.S. International Trade Administration data, South Dakota experienced a 2024 year-to-date fall
in manufacturing exports sank by $233.3 million from the same period in 2023 for a decline of 12.4%.
