CEOs globally focus on tariffs & agentic AI in 2025
IoT Analytics has released its Q1 2025 quarterly earnings call analysis, showcasing key themes that concern CEOs worldwide in the current economic climate.
The analysis draws from over 8,000 earnings calls from about 4,000 global companies listed in the U.S., spanning Q1 2025 and Q4 2024, identifying tariffs, economic uncertainty, and agentic AI as the primary topics.
The report noted a significant increase, 190%, in discussions about tariffs compared to the previous quarter. CEOs displayed varying perspectives on whether tariffs pose a challenge or offer opportunities for their organisations.
Mentions of economic uncertainty have risen by 49% quarter-over-quarter, as industry leaders evaluate the potential long-term impacts of shifting trade policies and global economic instability.
Agentic AI is also increasingly capturing the attention of executives, marking a notable rise in AI-related discussions. The development signals a growing interest in AI technologies among CEOs, especially within tech firms.
In addition, the report indicates a downturn in recruitment talks, corresponding with a noticeable increase in conversations about hiring freezes as companies respond to mounting economic pressures.
Knud Lasse Lueth, CEO of IoT Analytics, stated, "Our analysis of Q1 earnings calls shows that tariffs are reshaping CEO agendas, particularly in manufacturing. At the same time, tech firms are accelerating their push toward agentic AI leadership, as the broader job market shows signs of cooling."
Philipp Wegner, Principal Analyst at IoT Analytics, commented, "We have rarely seen a topic increase in importance as rapidly as tariffs did in Q1 2025. Tariffs, alongside uncertainty over economic development and geopolitics, are the defining themes for 2025."
