Trade Tensions Reshaping U.S. Corporate Strategy, HSBC Survey Finds

May 28, 2025 at 07:45 AM EDT

Businesses report above average cost hikes are causing a pivot toward domestic operations in the short term but 93% remain confident in global trade growth

U.S. companies remain optimistic about future international expansion despite facing cost pressures, disrupted supply chains and ongoing uncertainty more acutely when compared to global peers, according to HSBC’s inaugural Trade Pulse survey. Despite current headwinds, American businesses remain optimistic about long term international growth and most are increasing reliance on the U.S. market in the immediate term.

The survey captured responses from over 5,700 internationally active companies across 13 global markets, including 1,000 based in the United States.

Key Findings:

72% of U.S. companies report higher operating costs due to tariffs – a figure above the global average (66%)
77% expect those costs to rise further by year-end
71% are increasing their reliance on the U.S. market in response to current trade dynamics
93% of U.S. firms say they remain confident in their ability to grow international trade over the next two years

These findings reflect a complex trade environment – one where U.S. firms are rethinking supply chains, reassessing investment decisions, and adapting pricing strategies. Nearly three-quarters of respondents say they have paused or reconsidered long-term investments due to policy uncertainty, and 52% report difficulty forecasting costs or demand for the year ahead.

The changing landscape is prompting a recalibration of global strategies as companies delay new investment decisions and look to shift operations. U.S. firms are more likely than global peers to pivot towards domestic markets in the short term and exit higher risk markets. Despite these headwinds, U.S. corporates remain confident in international growth prospects over the long term with nearly all (93%) respondents saying they expect to grow international trade over the next two years.

Companies are also looking to innovate during this time of disruption, with 79% saying the current uncertainty is encouraging their business to evolve and explore new opportunities. American companies are more likely than global respondents to use this moment to drive innovation and future readiness:

79% say trade uncertainty has encouraged them to evolve and explore new opportunities
56% have already entered new export or import markets (47% global)
58% have developed new products or services (51% global)
64% have adopted a new technology or digital platform (58% global)
47% have invested in improving supply chain visibility (41% global)
Many are taking action to strengthen resilience via reshoring (44%), nearshoring (41%) and friendshoring (42%)

“American companies are extremely resilient,” said Ajit Menon, U.S. Head of Global Trade Solutions. “They’re feeling the strain of rising costs and economic uncertainty, but many are responding with agility – digitizing operations, strengthening supply chains and redesigning growth strategies to compete globally. As the world’s leading trade bank, HSBC is seeing firsthand how resilient and forward looking our clients are even in the most challenging conditions. We are uniquely qualified to help our clients navigate global complexity.”

About the Trade Pulse Survey

HSBC’s Trade Pulse survey was conducted between April 30 and May 12, 2025, across 13 markets: Bangladesh, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Mainland China, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, UAE, United Kingdom, USA, and Vietnam. The survey captured perspectives from SMEs and mid-market companies with international operations and revenues between $50 million and $2 billion.

HSBC Holdings plc

HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of HSBC, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 58 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,054bn at 31 March 2025, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organizations.