Press release PMA Business Cycle Index (PMABCI) – September 2025 Slight improvement in overall index

The results of the PMA’s Business Cycle Index (PMABCI) indicated a slight improvement in overall business activity in Palestine during September 2025, as the composite index increase to -20.8 points, compared to -22.2 points in August 2025. In this context the index remains at deeply negative levels, reflecting the continued state of uncertainty in light of the unprecedented political developments.

The overall index in the West Bank increased from -20.2 points in August 2025 to -18.5 points in September 2025. Most of this increment is primarily attributed to the improved performance of several economic activities, as follows:

• The Industrial index increased from -5.9 to -5.4 points.
• The Trade index increased from -8.5 to -7.4 points.

However, the construction index remained stable at around -3.5 points, agriculture index at around -1.0 points, the IT and communications index at around -0.6 points, as well as the transportation and storage index maintained stable at around -0.5 points, and renewable energy index at around -0.1 points.

The business owners surveyed in the West Bank reported an increase in production sales, and inventory levels. Furthermore, the respondents' expectations regarding production and employment levels for the next three months were positive.

As for the Gaza Strip, it continues to suffer from an almost full economic paralysis due to the ongoing Israeli aggression, which has inflicted extensive destruction on infrastructure and all aspects of daily life. Under these catastrophic conditions, the overall index for Gaza Strip is expected to remain at its lowest level around –100 points, indicating an almost complete halt in economic activity across the Strip.