Knoxville TN, September 28, 2025
News Summary
Despite facing challenges from tariffs, business leaders in East Tennessee express optimism about the local economy’s resilience. A recent survey indicates that while many employers report negative impacts from tariffs, a significant majority believe Tennessee’s economy will outperform the national average. The prevailing sense of hope is attributed to expected business investments and supportive leadership from state officials, underscoring the region’s potential for growth despite external pressures.
Knoxville
East Tennessee business leaders express a strong sense of optimism regarding the state’s economy, despite ongoing challenges posed by tariffs, according to a recent survey by the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research. Conducted in August 2025, the survey highlights the resilience and outlook of local employers amid economic fluctuations.
Approximately 25% of employers participating in the survey reported that tariffs have had a significant negative impact on their businesses, while almost 50% noted experiencing some level of tariff-related effects. The data indicates that around 44.2% of these businesses are responding to tariff costs by passing some or all of these additional expenses onto customers.
In terms of broader economic observations, nearly half of the surveyed business leaders believe that the national economy is performing worse than it did last year, and a similar percentage anticipates that the national economy will continue to decline in the upcoming year. In stark contrast, about 66% of respondents are confident that Tennessee’s economy will outperform the national economy over the same period.
This positive sentiment among East Tennessee business leaders is largely attributed to expected business investments and the effective leadership provided by state government officials. Don Bruce, the director of the Boyd Center, stated that despite the obstacles posed by tariffs, industry leaders maintain a hopeful perspective for the future economic landscape of Tennessee.
The survey showcases the importance of resilience among business leaders in the face of external pressures, emphasizing their focus on navigating challenges while fostering pathways for growth in the region. This nuanced outlook is likely to play a crucial role in shaping strategic decisions for businesses in East Tennessee moving forward.
For those seeking further information about the survey and its findings, inquiries can be directed to Daniel Dassow, a business reporter at the Chattanooga Times Free Press, at 423-757-6318 or via email at [email protected]. Dassow holds degrees in English and religious studies from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he served as editor-in-chief of The Daily Beacon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of East Tennessee employers reported significant impacts from tariffs?
Approximately 25% of employers reported that tariffs have greatly affected their businesses.
How many business leaders expect the national economy to decline over the next year?
A similar proportion of respondents expect the national economy to decline over the next year.
What is the opinion of business leaders regarding Tennessee’s economy versus the national economy?
About 66% of employers think Tennessee’s economy will outperform the national economy over the coming year.
Key Features of the East Tennessee Business Leaders Survey
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Survey Conducted | August 2025 |
| Employers Reporting Significant Impact from Tariffs | 25% |
| Employers Experiencing Some Impact from Tariffs | Nearly 50% |
| Respondents Passing on Tariff Costs | 44.2% |
| Employers Believing National Economy is Worse Than Last Year | Nearly Half |
| Employers Expecting National Economy to Decline | Similar Proportion of Respondents |
| Employers Confident about Tennessee’s Economic Performance | 66% |
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: East Tennessee Business Leaders Share Tariff Concerns
- Wikipedia: Tariff
- Fox 13 Memphis: Survey on Tennessee Business Leaders
- Google Search: Tennessee Business Leaders Tariffs
- WBBJ TV: Tennessee Business Leaders Remain Optimistic
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Economics
- Chattanoogan: Tennessee Business Leaders and Tariffs
- Google News: Tennessee Business Impact Tariffs
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