PHILADELPHIA, PA — The dominant force reshaping the American workforce in 2025 isn’t artificial intelligence — it’s trade policy. That’s the central finding of a new survey released by Qlik®, a leading firm in data integration, analytics, and AI, which reveals that tariffs and shifting global trade patterns are having a more immediate and surprising impact on job prospects than emerging technology.
According to Qlik’s dual survey of 1,000 graduating students and 1,500 business leaders across the U.S., 34% of the class of 2024–25 said trade disruption had altered their career outlook — edging out AI, which was cited by 33%. The findings point to a fast-moving labor market transformation that is rewriting job descriptions, reordering hiring priorities, and creating entirely new roles in response to external economic pressures.
“Tariffs are no longer a background factor,” said Qlik CEO Mike Capone. “They’re reshaping hiring plans, altering supply chain strategies, and creating roles companies didn’t even know they needed six months ago.”
Among the newly created job titles emerging in this shifting landscape: Tariff Mitigation Strategist, Reshoring Program Manager, Supply Chain Resilience Analyst, and AI Lead — reflecting the growing intersection of global commerce, policy volatility, and advanced technology.
Confidence Amid Uncertainty
Despite the turbulence, most graduates remain optimistic. Eight in ten say they feel more confident about their career prospects than they did at the start of the year, even as 66% admit to having already shifted their career goals in response to market changes. Nearly half (48%) report that automation is actively replacing jobs in their fields, and 24% say some roles have been eliminated entirely.
Meanwhile, employers are responding to trade instability with significant strategic shifts. Thirty-one percent of companies plan to increase investment in manufacturing and supply chain capabilities, even amid rising uncertainty. Yet, only 57% of business leaders believe today’s graduates are equipped with the skills needed to meet evolving demands. A key area of concern: AI and automation literacy — identified by 28% of employers as a critical gap in hiring.
The Urgent Role of Data
As companies adapt to this volatile environment, investments in automation (50%) and predictive analytics (40%) are rising. Still, 39% of firms admit their internal data remains incomplete or insufficient, complicating efforts to align talent strategy with emerging needs.
“This is where data has to lead,” Capone said. “Workforce change is happening faster than most systems can track, and the cost of slow insight is rising.”
Qlik’s findings paint a complex picture: trade disruptions and AI are both reshaping the job market, but not in isolation. The interplay between global policy and technology is fueling a labor market evolution that requires real-time insights and strategic foresight. While the gap between graduate expectations and employer needs continues to widen, the opportunity to bridge that divide lies in smarter data and sharper workforce planning.
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