News Summary
A recent survey reveals that Tennessee business leaders are feeling the effects of tariffs but remain optimistic about the state’s economy. Conducted by the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research, the survey found that while 25% of respondents report significant impact, a majority believe Tennessee can outperform the national economy in the coming year. Factors like ongoing business investments and effective state leadership contribute to this optimism, despite some fears about the national economic outlook.
Tennessee business leaders are feeling the effects of tariffs but are maintaining a sense of optimism about the overall economy, according to a new survey. Conducted by the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Tennessee in August 2025, the survey reflects mixed feelings within the business community regarding current economic conditions.
Approximately 25% of the survey respondents reported that tariffs have significantly impacted their businesses, while nearly 50% indicated they experienced a slight effect due to these trade policies. Despite the challenges, a significant majority of business leaders believe that the chances of a recession in the United States are low, with many expecting Tennessee’s economy to perform better than the national economy in the coming year.
About 66% of employers surveyed expressed confidence that Tennessee’s economy will outperform the national economy over the next year. This promising outlook is attributed to ongoing business investments and the effective leadership executed by the state government. Business leaders in Tennessee are optimistic that these factors will contribute to overall economic growth.
Despite the optimism regarding state performance, nearly half of the survey participants noted that they believe the national economy is worse now than it was last year. A similar percentage anticipates a further decline in the national economy over the coming year. These sentiments may reflect broader concerns about national economic trends, which could overshadow localized growth opportunities.
In response to the tariff impacts, roughly 44.2% of businesses stated that they are passing on some or all of the tariff costs to their customers, highlighting how these external factors can influence pricing strategies and consumer behavior in Tennessee.
According to Don Bruce, director of the Boyd Center, the survey results demonstrate that the efforts to cultivate a strong business environment in Tennessee are producing tangible positive outcomes. Leaders in the state are encouraged by their ability to navigate challenges while remaining focused on future opportunities for growth.
The survey serves as a valuable snapshot of the sentiments among Tennessee’s business leaders, who remain cautiously optimistic despite external pressures. With strategic investments and government support, there is a collective belief that conditions will improve, distinguishing Tennessee from other states facing similar challenges arising from tariffs and other economic factors.
To summarize, the findings of the survey indicate that Tennessee businesses are contending with the realities of tariffs but are confident that the state can achieve economic progress in the year ahead. The ongoing commitment to foster a favorable business climate appears to be a key driver of this optimism, even as national uncertainties persist.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WBBJ TV
- Fox 13 Memphis
- WATE
- Wikipedia: Tariffs
- The Tennessean
- Google Search: Tennessee business leaders
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