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(Iowa) -- Iowa business leaders are looking ahead to the fourth quarter of 2025.
The latest quarterly survey from the Iowa Association of Business show a mix of optimism and caution among business leaders in the state. The survey finds 39% of business leaders expect sales to expand in the fourth quarter of this year, up from 33% in the third quarter. 30% of business leaders say they expect sales to stay flat in Q4, a decrease of 45% from the last survey. Q4 is expected to be a good quarter for capital investments, with 60% of Iowa businesses saying they plan to increase capital expenditures.
There is some hesitancy among Iowa business leaders heading in to Q4 of 2025. 86% of business leaders they they are concerned about retaining skilled workers and adjusting to increases in health care costs. Tariffs and trade are also areas of concern, with 78% of businesses saying the current U.S. trade policy with Canada and Mexico is producing negative economic effects.
ABI says its findings largely follow national trends heading into the fourth quarter of 2025.