The Iowa Association of Business and Industry’s most recent quarterly survey of its members found respondents expect to make investments in the first quarter of 2025, while their top concern is proposed tariffs. The survey was conducted in early December.

“After a neutral outlook at the end of 2024, ABI members’ views on the first quarter of 2025 are positive,” Nicole Crain, ABI president, said in a prepared statement. “In order to ensure economic success for members, ABI will advocate for continued reform of Iowa’s property tax system and unemployment insurance reductions.”

Key findings from the survey include:

• More than 70% of respondents plan to make capital expenditures in the first quarter, an increase from 53% and the highest this figure has been since the third quarter of 2022.
• More than half (55%) of respondents expect stable sales, and 40% anticipate growth in the first quarter.
• Businesses reported workforce management as a priority heading into 2025 as 57% say they expect stable employee numbers.
• Nearly 80% of respondents expressed varying degrees of concern about proposed tariffs on Canadian, Mexican and Chinese goods and their potential effect on costs and supply chains.

ABI also recently released its 2025 legislative priorities, which center on taxes, workforce and regulatory reform. The industry association’s Legislative Briefing and Reception event is set for Jan. 15 at 3:30 p.m. at the Community Choice Convention Center. To learn more or register, click here.

ABI Vice President of Public Policy JD Davis will be a panelist on the Business Record’s virtual Legislative Forecast on Jan. 14 at noon.