Global business optimism falls amid trade uncertainty — Report

Global business optimism declined marginally in the second quarter of 2025, reflecting mounting concerns over trade policy uncertainty and its broader economic impact, according to Dun & Bradstreet’s latest Global Business Optimism Insights (GBOI) report.

The report, which tracks sentiment across growth expectations, supply chain continuity, financial confidence, investment sentiment, and ESG outlook, recorded a 1.3% drop in overall confidence. Export-driven sectors were the hardest hit, grappling with rising tariffs, demand volatility, and cost pressures.

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“While some supply chain disruptions have eased due to diversification, inflation and tight liquidity continue to weigh on financial confidence,” the report noted. It added that while investment sentiment remains cautious globally, optimism persists in areas like artificial intelligence and automation.

Environmental sustainability remains a top ESG priority, although business focus on social and governance issues appears to be slightly receding.

Regionally, advanced economies saw a 1.7% decline in business sentiment, while emerging markets remained stable. Interestingly, medium-sized businesses globally reported a 7.8% surge in optimism. Small and large firms, however, saw a decline, except for small enterprises in emerging markets, which showed modest improvements.

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Dun & Bradstreet’s findings reflect a global business landscape adjusting to policy headwinds and economic shifts. While some resilience is visible, especially in tech-driven sectors and mid-sized firms, the overall sentiment suggests businesses are proceeding with caution in an unpredictable trade environment.