A majority of businesses in a survey of international suppliers said they were “very optimistic” about 2025, with 85% saying they were either “optimistic” or “very optimistic,” in financial technology firm Taulia's 10th annual Supplier Survey. 

However a rise in late payments and the need for cash flow consistency has seen rising interest in early payment options (63% vs 56% five years ago), the survey found.

The supplier survey, released March 17, was conducted between November 7 and 29, 2024, and received 9,734 responses across 129 countries, after the U.S. presidential election but before President Donald Trump took office and began enacting his promised punitive trade tariffs against America’s trading partners. 

Taulia concludes that, despite uncertainty around tariffs and protectionism, more than 50% of businesses are focusing on growth, and adapting to changing market conditions. Other key focuses include artificial intelligence (28%) and inflation (27%).

Further, optimism among supplier businesses seems to be on the rise. The 2024 figure is a significant jump from the cautious sentiment seen in the Taulia survey over the past few years, rising from 2022 when just 18% of suppliers were “very optimistic” about the year ahead.