How Businesses Can Thrive Amid Inflation, Tariffs, and AI Disruption

12/12/2025

US Chamber of Commerce

Persistent inflation, shifting trade policies, and disruptive technologies like AI are reshaping the business landscape. On Dec. 10, Neil Bradley, U.S. Chamber Executive Vice President, and RSM US Chief Economist Joe Brusuelas discussed how businesses can adapt to these challenges.
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Why it matters: To remain competitive and drive growth, companies must embrace innovation, enhance efficiency, and prepare for evolving economic conditions.
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Key takeaways: Bradley and Brusuelas outlined trends shaping the economic landscape.
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Inflation’s impact: Inflation at 3% still exceeds the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. “The difference between two and three is 50%...creating uncertainty and concern,” Bradley said.
Tariff turbulence: We have not seen the full effects of higher tariffs. “It will be mid-2027, before consumers really feel it,” Brusuelas said. Bradley added that while some tariffs may be struck down by the Supreme Court, ongoing trade uncertainty remains a challenge.
AI as a tool for resilience: Bradley highlighted the rapid adoption of generative AI, with 58% of small businesses already using it. He emphasized that leveraging technology now will help businesses adapt to economic challenges.

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1 Comment

PLATINUM PARTNERS

William Carter link

12/29/2025 07:11:06 am

This discussion really highlights what many small and mid-sized businesses are struggling with right now. Inflation remaining above target and ongoing tariff uncertainty make long-term planning extremely difficult, especially for businesses already operating on thin margins. On top of that, AI is being pushed as a solution, but for many smaller companies it still feels complex and expensive.

My main concern is how small businesses with limited budgets can practically adopt AI while also managing rising costs and economic uncertainty. Without dedicated IT teams or large capital, where should they realistically begin so AI becomes a productivity tool rather than another financial burden?

In a similar way, we’re also seeing how digital platforms and streaming technologies are changing consumer behavior, especially in entertainment. Tools like
<a href="https://inatboxapp.tr/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"></a> show how technology can deliver accessible, cost-effective digital solutions when implemented efficiently. It would be interesting to see more guidance and support helping small businesses apply this same kind of smart, low-cost tech adoption to stay resilient in today’s economy.

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