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Persistent inflation, shifting trade policies, and disruptive technologies like AI are reshaping the business landscape. On Dec. 10, Neil Bradley, U.S. Chamber Executive Vice President, and RSM US Chief Economist Joe Brusuelas discussed how businesses can adapt to these challenges.

Why it matters: To remain competitive and drive growth, companies must embrace innovation, enhance efficiency, and prepare for evolving economic conditions.

Key takeaways: Bradley and Brusuelas outlined trends shaping the economic landscape.

• Inflation’s impact: Inflation at 3% still exceeds the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. “The difference between two and three is 50%...creating uncertainty and concern,” Bradley said.

• Tariff turbulence: We have not seen the full effects of higher tariffs. “It will be mid-2027, before consumers really feel it,” Brusuelas said. Bradley added that while some tariffs may be struck down by the Supreme Court, ongoing trade uncertainty remains a challenge.
• AI as a tool for resilience: Bradley highlighted the rapid adoption of generative AI, with 58% of small businesses already using it. He emphasized that leveraging technology now will help businesses adapt to economic challenges.