US consumers have responded sharply to proposed global trade tariffs and ongoing inflation, according to results of McKinsey’s most recent ConsumerWise Global Sentiment Survey. Rising prices, along with inflation, was indicated as a top concern for 43 percent of survey respondents, with tariff policies following at 29 percent, Senior Partner Becca Coggins and coauthors note. The ability to make ends meet was the third most selected concern, cited by 22 percent of surveyed consumers.
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A horizontal bar chart lists the sources of concern for US consumers, based on the percentage of respondents. Rising prices or inflation is the top concern, cited by 43% of respondents, followed by tariff policies, cited by 29%. The ability to make ends meet is cited by 22%, and immigration by 19%. Cost and accessibility of healthcare is cited by 16%, international conflicts and political polarization each by 15%. Gun or knife violence and unemployment or job security are each cited by 14%, climate change or sustainability and stock market performance were each cited by 13%, and discrimination against certain groups of people by 11%. Abortion laws are cited by 10%, and AI and technology innovation, growing inequality or polarization of incomes, and health crises or events are each cited by 9%.
Note: This image description was completed with the assistance of Writer, a gen AI tool.
Source: McKinsey ConsumerWise Global Sentiment Survey, Apr–May 2025, n = 3,854.
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To read the article, see “An update on US consumer sentiment: In response to tariffs, most consumers plan to adjust spending,” May 30, 2025.