How Will Trump’s Return Shape North American Business in 2025?
CEO North America / January – February – March 2025
As we welcome 2025, the North American economy greets January 20 with a mix of nervousness and excitement. For many businesses, Trump’s inauguration brings pivotal answers to urgent questions surrounding trade, tariffs, and immigration. Yet, one thing seems apparent this time around: Trump’s second term will be different from his last.
The contentious results of the previous presidential election left the beginning of Joe Biden’s U.S. presidency on shaky ground. However, by not only securing the White House but also gaining a majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, there are hopes that during his second term Trump will be able to unite the country, instead of divide it.
In positive news for the C-suite, Trump is expected to implement a pro-business approach that could shake up the U.S. economy. This strategy aims to increase capital spending and favor mergers and acquisitions which have been heavily restricted during the Biden Administration.
Concerns remain regarding the potential impact of tariffs on trade within the region, especially in the manufacturing sectors of Mexico and Canada. The incoming Administration has suggested that it may review the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which could significantly influence political and economic relations.
The Auto industry is preparing for changes as Trump promises to overturn the Biden Administration’s EV mandate. However, the industry hopes that Elon Musk’s increasing influence on Trump might convince the incoming president to reconsider the policy that provides taxpayers with incentives to purchase electric vehicles.
On one of the strongest election policies for the Republican party, immigration, Musk has offered hope to foreign visa holders by publicly opposing Trump’s desire to eliminate H-1B visas, which are designed for skilled foreign workers. Musk has drawn a clear distinction between illegal immigration and legal immigration, emphasizing the importance of the H-1B visa for the tech industry.
It is predicted that following January 20, U.S. stocks will experience a post-inauguration rally, particularly in the technology, communication services, energy, financials, and industrial sectors.
Due to the incoming administration’s pro-crypto-policies, Bitcoin is also expected to gain momentum after Trump’s inauguration day.
Significant changes are anticipated to happen in the C-suite in 2025 to improve security during conferences and investor meetings, in response to the recent murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan.
Whatever the uncertain outcomes of the next few months may be, it is hoped that businesses in North America can adapt to the new Republican administration and continue to thrive.
̶ Stuart James, Editorial Director
Would your business benefit from our executive and investor readership in 2025? Get in touch at stuart.james@ceo-na.com


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