Midwest economy grows slower; manufacturing jobs, business confidence decline amid rising tariffs.

The Mid-America Business Conditions Index for April showed the Midwest economy is still growing but at a slower pace, dropping to 53.3 from 56.7 in March. Employment in manufacturing is declining, with the employment index falling to 44.9, its lowest since November 2024. Tariffs and economic uncertainty are driving up input prices, with the price gauge hitting 65.0, its highest since May 2024. Business confidence has also fallen to 35.3, reflecting concerns about tariffs and global economic tensions.