Industries with Riskiest Business Environments in United States in 2025

• 1. Printing in the US

  Business Environment Risk for 2025: 7.4

  Printing is in the midst of a considerable and steady decline as digital products and services continue to displace printed materials. The two largest markets, advertising and publishing, have accelerated their online footprint, reducing printing demand. Recent years have witnessed a significant decline in newspaper and magazine subscriptions, exacerbating the challenges for printers. Even though printing technology has advanced, demand for traditional print has plummeted, leaving printers wi...

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• 2. Telecommunication Networking Equipment Manufacturing in the US

  Business Environment Risk for 2025: 7.1

  The Telecommunication Networking Equipment Manufacturing industry in the US is undergoing substantial transformations due to a blend of rising input costs, technological advancements, and evolving market demands. While the sector faces challenges from increased production expenses linked to soaring copper prices and a global semiconductor shortage, there’s hope on the horizon from federal support through the CHIPS Act and the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access and ...

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• 3. Casting Agencies in the US

  Business Environment Risk for 2025: 7.1

  Casting agencies have endured considerable volatility in recent years due to higher economic uncertainty and the evolution of digital streaming among consumers. Casting directors' expertise lies in their ability to spot strong candidates that also match the specific requests of the project's creators, though it's ultimately the producer of the project that decides which actor will be cast. The actor, the casting director and the actor's agent receive a commission based on the pay schedule of ...

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• 4. Corn Farming in the US

  Business Environment Risk for 2025: 7.1

  In recent years, the US corn farming industry has experienced volatile revenue largely driven by changes in corn prices, production levels and crop yields. Early in the current period, up through 2022, corn prices saw a significant increase, which resulted in considerable revenue growth for farmers. This increase was fueled by high demand for biofuels and animal feeds and limited global supplies. However, as production ramps up both domestically and internationally, the industry has begun to ...

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• 5. Corn, Wheat & Soybean Wholesaling in the US

  Business Environment Risk for 2025: 6.9

  The Corn, Wheat and Soybean Wholesaling industry has maneuvered through a challenging environment shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions. The industry faced disruptions early on as supply chains and distribution networks were impacted. Yet, demand for essential grains like corn, wheat and soybeans stayed stable, cushioning revenue levels despite the upheaval. Demand surged as the sector began recovering from the pandemic, exerting pressure on supplies and driving price infl...

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• 6. Paper Wholesaling in the US

  Business Environment Risk for 2025: 6.9

  Digitalization has deteriorated demand for traditional paper products. Demand for paper products has fallen as individuals, retailers, other wholesalers and corporate clients have adopted digital technology to perform tasks more efficiently and at a lower cost, reducing the need for paper. Moreover, as sales have moved online, wholesalers have been further cut out of the paper supply chain as more customers purchase directly from superstores and manufacturers. As the COVID-19 pandemic acceler...

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• 7. Chicken & Turkey Meat Production in the US

  Business Environment Risk for 2025: 6.9

  The poultry industry has experienced notable revenue growth, driven by shifting consumer preferences and robust production levels. With beef supplies at historic lows and prices reaching unprecedented highs in the face of widespread droughts and culling, consumers are turning to chicken as a cost-effective protein alternative. This shift is further bolstered by poultry's health benefits, including its lean protein content and associations with heart health. As a result,...

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• 8. Soybean Farming in the US

  Business Environment Risk for 2025: 6.8

  The US soybean farming industry is navigating significant changes in the current period, with soybean prices determining the initial rise and recent decline in industry performance. These prices have been influenced by several key factors, including the growing demand for biofuels and mixed consumer perceptions regarding soy products. The demand for soybean oil in biofuel production surged due to supportive policies like the Renewable Fuel Standard and rising crude oil prices, creating a lucr...

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• 9. Newsprint Manufacturing in the US

  Business Environment Risk for 2025: 6.8

  The shift to digital platforms has deteriorated the position of the Newsprint Manufacturing industry over the past two decades, with demand for traditional print media like newspapers and printed advertisements plummeting and COVID-19 accelerating the push toward digitalization. In addition to these structural changes, trade tensions and tariffs, notably between the US and Canada, have impacted the industry, increasing costs and affecting imported newsprint availability, causing uncertainty f...

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• 10. Iron Ore Mining in the US

  Business Environment Risk for 2025: 6.7

  Iron ore miners are highly susceptible to changes in industrial production. This is why iron ore miners were significantly impacted at the start of the period because of the pandemic. Steel production took a nosedive and many mines shut down temporarily. As the economy recovered, miners saw triple-digit growth in 2021, since steel prices skyrocketed amid supply chain constraints. This allowed industry revenue to remain elevated for the rest of the period. From 2022 to 2024, while production b...

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