If you weren’t entirely sure what a tariff was before this year, you most certainly are now. Endless news headlines, online debates and business discussions have featured tariffs as the main event since the newly seated Trump administration made them the cornerstone of U.S. trade policy. They are an unavoidable topic.
They’re also a critical one to the channel. ITSPs, MSPs, resellers and the rest of the channel ecosystem have had no choice but to weigh the potential impact of tariffs on everything from their cost of goods and pricing structures to their supply chain sources and business relationships. The tariff rollout might be happening in chaotic fits and starts, but tech industry businesses must plan nonetheless.
To get a read on what channel firms are thinking, GTIA is launching a monthly research series capturing current views on the state of the U.S. economy in general and tariffs in particular. GTIA’s first installment of the Channel Economic Tracker May 2025, sheds light on the complex economic landscape faced by channel businesses, the potential pros and cons of tariffs, actions companies are taking today to mitigate negative effects and potential policy suggestions that might quell concerns. We poll 300 executives at channel companies throughout the United States for their insights.
The tracker findings highlight divided opinions on the general economy, with 39% of channel respondents considering the economy strong, 39% viewing it as weak and 21% taking a neutral stance. Despite these mixed views, 45% of respondents believe the economic outlook will be positive in the next 12 months. The political divide in the United States would appear to color these economic perspectives, but other factors such as company size, business model, etc. must be considered in examining the findings.
Sentiment about tariffs specifically is also mixed, though more channel firms are reporting negative impacts than positive. And because tariffs are still in their infancy, the full effects remain uncertain. What is clear is that a majority of channel businesses will be affected somehow, as 7 in 10 of them report conducting business outside the United States on a regular or occasional basis.
For a much more detailed look at data on channel viewpoints on tariffs and the greater economy, check out the May inaugural installment of the GTIA Channel Economic Tracker and stay tuned for a refresh in June.
Keep track! GTIA Members: View the May 2025 GTIA Channel Economic Tracker in the Member Portal.
