CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina’s economy is forecast to grow 2.3% in 2025, marking the fifth consecutive year of expansion since COVID-19, but businesses face mounting uncertainties from federal policy decisions and ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, according to the latest economic forecast from UNC Charlotte’s Belk College of Business.
The state is expected to add 76,400 net jobs in 2025, a 1.5% increase in employment by December, driven by strong performance in agriculture, information technology and retail sectors.
However, economist John Connaughton, who has authored the state forecast for nearly 45 years, warned of several challenges ahead…