BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) - North Dakota’s manufacturing economy continued to show resilience in September, marking its 15th consecutive month above growth neutral, according to Creighton University’s latest Mid-America Business Conditions Index.

The state’s index dipped slightly to 51.4 from 51.7 in August, but remained in expansion territory. A score above 50 indicates growth.

Key components of the September index included: • New orders: 51.4 • Production/sales: 50.7 • Delivery lead time: 56.3 • Employment: 45.7 • Inventories: 52.7

Despite a softer employment reading, North Dakota led the region in export growth. The state’s manufacturing sector exported $3.7 billion in goods during the first seven months of 2025 — a 53% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to

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