53% of CEOs Fear Tariffs’ Financial Impact, Prompting Price Increases, Workforce Reductions and Delayed Investments
The latest CBIZ-Hofstra University CEO Survey highlights pressing concerns for middle-market CEOs as they navigate the dual challenges of proposed tariffs and uncertainty surrounding U.S. tax policies. The survey sheds light on how these factors are shaping business strategies in a shifting economic environment.
Tariff Concerns Force Strategic Adjustments
Tariffs emerged as a dominant issue, with 53.2% of CEOs expressing strong concern over their financial impact. In response, many companies are preparing for significant operational changes:
- 80.9% are considering relocating production to mitigate tariff-related costs.
- 75.4% may reduce their workforce.
- 72.3% plan to delay investments.
- 66.4% are exploring new supplier options.
- 50.0% are contemplating price increases.
“Our findings highlight the profound ripple effect that even the discussion of tariffs is having on the middle market, forcing CEOs and management teams to rethink their strategies at every level,” said Jerry Grisko, President and Chief Executive Officer of CBIZ. “These economic factors compel businesses to be more agile, re-evaluate their operational frameworks, and seek innovative solutions to maintain resilience and competitiveness. Understanding and anticipating these shifts are crucial for CEOs. “
Mixed Impacts of U.S. Tax Policies
The survey also reveals divided perspectives on the benefits of recent and proposed tax reforms:
- 42.6% of CEOs reported moderate benefits from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), including reduced corporate tax rates and bonus depreciation.
- 51.9% anticipate positive effects if TCJA provisions are extended, though 30.1% expect no impact.
- 43.3% have benefited from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), but nearly half (47.7%) reported no tangible gains.
“While tax reforms have provided relief for many, the overall impact remains uneven across industries,” said Bill Smith, National Director of Tax Technical Services at CBIZ. “The survey underscores the complexity of tax-driven economic policies and the need for individually tailored strategies to address them.”
Key Takeaways on Business Confidence and Planning
Beyond policy concerns, the survey reveals broader trends influencing CEO decision-making:
- Economic concerns: Consistently the top issue, cited by 55.1% of CEOs.
- Talent availability: Ranked among the top three influences by 37.5%, reflecting persistent hiring challenges.
- Cybersecurity concerns: Growing in importance, increasing 6.7% since September.
Despite these challenges, optimism among CEOs rebounded in December, with 45.0% rating their outlook as highly positive, up from 34.5% in September.
The survey was developed, conducted, and analyzed by Zarb School MBA students, led by Andrew Forman, associate professor of international business and marketing, in partnership with CBIZ.
“The data from our latest survey underscores the heightened sensitivity of middle-market CEOs to both tariffs and tax policy uncertainties,” shared Dr. Andrew Forman. “As such, businesses are making difficult but necessary decisions to safeguard their profitability and maintain competitiveness.”
“Learning to adapt and adjust during uncertain times is an essential lesson for business students,” stated Janet A. Lenaghan, Dean of the Zarb School of Business. “Embracing change with a growth mindset empowers leaders to transform challenges into opportunities, drive innovation, solve problems effectively, and strategically position their businesses for long-term success.”
About the Survey
The CBIZ-Hofstra Survey is a periodic gauge of mid-market CEOs’ outlook and priorities for the next 12 months. The survey polled the leaders of companies with revenues ranging from $5 million to $1 billion-plus and was conducted the week of December 9, 2023. Two hundred fifty-six mid-market CEOs and leaders participated. Previously known as the Marcum – Hofstra Survey, the name was changed following CBIZ’s acquisition of Marcum last year.
