REwatch the 2025 iowa Manufacturing Forecast
2025 IOWA Manufacturing Forecast
In a time marked by tariffs and economic uncertainty, Iowa’s manufacturing sector is persisting through new pressures as well as existing challenges including elevated interest rates, a depressed ag economy and ongoing labor shortages. A handful of manufacturers have recently reported layoffs, reflecting pressure in the sector. At the upcoming Manufacturing Forecast event, a panel of industry leaders will examine how Iowa’s manufacturing sector is responding and offer an outlook on what to expect from the manufacturing economy heading into 2026. The discussion will cover how tariffs’ effect on manufacturing could affect other sectors, how companies are adjusting capital investment plans and strategies for attracting and retaining manufacturers and skilled workers.
PANELISTS
Nicole Crain, president, Iowa Association of Business and Industry
Ernie Goss, director of the Institute for Economic Inquiry and Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics, Creighton University\
Matt Koch, chief marketing officer, Sukup Manufacturing Co.
Peter Orazem, interim chair, Iowa State University Department
of Economics
A LETTER FROM THE GOVERNOR
Made in Iowa gives us the opportunity to celebrate the more than 6,000 manufacturing companies powering our state’s advanced manufacturing industry. It is our No. 1 business sector, contributing about $31 billion to the state economy annually or 18 percent of Iowa’s gross domestic product. These impressive numbers place us seventh in the nation for manufacturing GDP!
IOWA MANUFACTURERS
Check out our interactive map of manufacturing companies. Click the icons to learn about each company. Click the yellow wrench icons to learn about specific products made right here in Iowa.