Membership Survey Shows Early Impacts and Continued Fear Over U.S. Imposed and Retaliatory Tariffs
88% Say Tariffs Have Already Impacted Their Business
Taxes, Regulations & Healthcare Among Ongoing Concerns
ALBANY – More than half of the respondents to The Business Council of New York State, Inc.’s membership survey for the Fall 2025, 53%, said the United States-imposed tariffs and potential retaliatory tariffs continue to be a significant concern for their business. A considerable number — 88% of respondents — said tariffs have already impacted their ability, in some form, to do business as usual.
The Business Council of New York State, Inc., is New York’s statewide chamber of commerce and statewide manufacturing association.
The survey, conducted during September and October of 2025, showed that private-sector employers are still dealing with the current and unknown implications of tariffs.
When asked what the state can do to help private-sector businesses, more than half —52% — said either reduce taxes or reduce regulations. Another 27% said the state could help make healthcare more affordable.
The weight of tariff uncertainty, taxes, and regulations led almost three-quarters (73%) to say they have no plan to expand their business in the next year or two.
“This survey is in line with the ongoing discussions we have been having with our members, that Albany has created an unaffordable, burdensome business climate”, said Heather Mulligan, President & CEO, The Business Council of New York State, Inc. “If state government truly wants a stronger and more affordable economy, it has to listen to the people who build it.”
The full survey can be found here.
The survey was sent to more than 1,400 Business Council members.
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The Business Council of New York State has more than 3,000 members serving over 1 million private-sector workers. Over 70% of our members are small businesses