The retail media squeeze: Navigating tariffs, budget cuts, and performance pressure
Briefly

President Donald Trump's tariffs are poised to disrupt retail and digital media, with advertisers anticipating tighter budgets and higher consumer prices. Approximately 45% plan to cut ad spending, particularly in areas like social media. Retail media ad spend is projected at between $56 billion and $61 billion in 2025, although heavy tariffs could reduce this by 8.1%. While the focus will be on performance-driven strategies, brand-building remains essential for differentiating in a volatile market, with strong brands maintaining consumer loyalty amidst price fluctuations.
Nearly half (45%) of advertisers plan to reduce overall ad spend due to financial constraints from tariffs, highlighting significant budget challenges ahead.
In a tighter spending environment, advertisers will double down on measurable performance, although brand-building efforts should not be neglected as brand equity remains crucial.
If heavy tariffs are enacted, ad spend could fall by 8.1% compared to scenarios with limited tariffs, impacting retail media's growth trajectory.
Brands with a strong value proposition will stay top of mind, as consumers seeking stability may prefer trusted brands amidst pricing volatility.
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