GlobalData

Mon, Jun 30, 2025, 4:58 AM3 min read

In response to recent economic turmoil, chief financial officers (CFOs) are rapidly adapting their strategies to safeguard their businesses, according to a new survey from Grant Thornton.

The survey, which encompasses insights from over 260 finance experts, indicates a significant shift towards supply chain adjustments and technology utilisation to mitigate the impact of tariffs.

The second quarter of 2025 CFO survey by Grant Thornton Advisors highlights a marked increase in pessimism among finance leaders, with 46% expressing concern due to tariff-induced economic challenges.

Despite this, CFOs are proactively deploying various strategies to protect their businesses, with supply chain adjustments being the most common response.

The survey reveals that these strategies are tailored to industry-specific needs, with asset managers and construction and real estate sectors leaning towards technology and high-frequency scenario planning to reduce costs.

Paul Melville, national managing principal of CFO Advisory for Grant Thornton Advisors, notes that while finance leaders welcome a respite from tariffs, the ongoing uncertainty has compelled CFOs to rethink their business strategies.

Melville said: “CFOs are relieved that, for example, tariffs on imports from China aren’t 145%, but they certainly can’t put their feet up and relax. As we navigate an era of unreliability, fast actions may differentiate winners from losers. Whether it’s a 90-day tariff reprieve or court rulings and appeals, the unpredictability of the economic environment doesn’t help finance leaders with long-term planning.”

As per the report, 46% of the respondents are adjusting supply chains to lessen the impact of tariffs, 42% are engaging in high-frequency proactive scenario planning, 39% are using technology to cut costs, and 35% are increasing prices.

In addition, CFOs are concentrating on customer service and acquisition, with a 13 percentage point increase in sales and marketing expenses compared to the previous quarter.

The potential impact of new tax legislation on companies has finance leaders divided. With 42% anticipating benefits and 33% foreseeing harm to their financial positions, the sentiment is mixed.

David Sites, national managing principal and head of the Washington National Tax Office and International Tax Solutions, suggests that CFOs might have a more optimistic outlook on the legislation now than during the early stages of tax bill discussions.

However, he cautions that some businesses could face negative consequences from proposed changes to tax deductions and clean energy credits.