Tariffs are in the spotlight—and the story keeps shifting.
What started as a policy issue has evolved into a dynamic, cross-industry conversation. From auto suppliers to grocery chains, the impact of tariffs is showing up everywhere and readers are paying close attention.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s breaking through:
Automotive and Manufacturing dominate non-political readership. These industries drove nearly 37 million readers, reflecting high concern around sourcing disruptions, cost increases, and operational instability. The coverage reflects how deeply tariffs are being felt at the infrastructure level of the economy.
Consumer electronics are under pressure. With 13.3 million readers, this sector is seeing sustained attention as tariffs raise questions about pricing, access, and international production dependencies. The focus here is on ripple effects consumers are starting to feel.
Leadership narratives are gaining traction. Executives and company spokespeople are increasingly part of the tariff conversation addressing pricing decisions, policy impacts, and risk strategy. This leadership lens is becoming a key driver of how corporate response is being shaped and read.
Grocery and Travel readership reveals personal impact. These sectors didn’t lead in total readership, but ranked high in average readership per article—a signal that when tariffs affect everyday spending (food, flights, etc.), readers respond quickly and with interest.
Why this matters
Tariffs may be framed as a national policy issue, but the most resonant stories are those with tangible, personal, and operational impact. Readers aren’t just scanning headlines about trade, they’re actively engaging with stories about how tariffs affect what they drive, what they buy, and how they live.
For brands, this creates a clear communications imperative: It’s not just about navigating policy—it’s about showing up where your consumers feel it most.
In sectors like grocery and travel, where average readership per article is highest, consumers are looking for answers. They want to know: Why are prices rising? What’s being done? What does this mean for me? Brands that can speak directly to these concerns clearly, consistently, and early have the chance to build trust in moments of uncertainty.
See more Memo research in our Resource Center.