PMA Business Cycle Index (PMABCI) – September 2024

Overall Index Remains stands at low levels

The PMA Business Cycle Index (PMABCI) revealed that the overall index for Palestine remained at low levels during September 2024 with a value of -17.7 points, the same level as in August, due to the uncertainty and the ongoing unprecedented Israeli aggression.

In the West Bank, the index remained stable at -13.8 points in September 2024, compared to -13.9 points in the previous month. The agriculture index rose (from -1.3 to -0.3), and the industrial index improved (from -4.7 to -3.4). The renewable energy index also improved (from -0.3 to 0.1). However, the construction index has declined (from -1.7 to -3.0), as did the trade index (from -5.7 to -6.7). Meanwhile, the transportation and storage index remained stable at -0.2 points, and the IT and communications index at -0.3 points.

West Bank business owners generally reported increased production, sales, and inventory levels. However, their expectations for production and employment levels over the next three months were negative.

As for Gaza, the ongoing Israeli aggression has had numerous negative effects. Given the difficult economic conditions, it is expected that the Gaza index will remain at its lowest levels, around -100 points, since the start of the continued Israeli aggression in October 2023, up to the time of preparing this report.