By Vicky Sidler | Published 2 June 2025 at 15:00 GMT

The global economy is currently running on a sugar high. That’s not a metaphor—well, it is, but it’s also what economists are actually calling the current situation.

Despite all the chaos surrounding U.S. tariffs and trade threats, recent data shows the world economy is doing surprisingly well. According to Reuters, global GDP is still set to grow modestly this year, defying expectations and sending economists back to their spreadsheets in disbelief.

So, should small business owners pop the champagne?

Not so fast.

The “Sugar Rush” Explained:

Right now, what’s driving this short-term bump isn’t long-term policy success—it’s fear of what might come next.

U.S. buyers and global sellers are front-loading purchases to get ahead of tariff hikes. Imports jumped 30% in March. European manufacturers hit a 33-month high. And China is rerouting exports through third countries like a strategic game of logistics hopscotch.

This kind of behavior is what economists politely refer to as unsustainable.

It’s great for now, but payback is coming. Advance orders dry up. Investment slows. Buyers hold off. That sugar high? It wears off—and you don’t want your business riding the crash.

Three Things Small Businesses Should Take from All This:

I’m a StoryBrand Certified Guide and Duct Tape Marketing Strategist, and when I see short-term gains paired with long-term risk, I don’t panic—I plan.

Here’s what I recommend:

1. Don’t Confuse Activity with Stability:

Just because everyone’s busy doesn’t mean things are stable. Many companies are pushing production forward—not because demand is exploding, but because they’re worried about what prices or rules might look like in six months.

If your sales are up, fantastic. But ask yourself: “Is this real demand or borrowed time?” 

That answer should guide your hiring, stock levels, and marketing efforts.

2. Stay Nimble with Spending:

Reuters reports that corporate losses from the trade war have already topped $34 billion. Automakers are pulling forecasts. Some global brands have gone silent entirely.

Don’t follow suit.

Instead, build flexibility into your budget—smaller marketing tests, short-term contracts, modular inventory orders. Lean marketing (the kind we love) is built for this.

3. Reassure Your Customers:

Confused customers stop buying. Uncertain customers delay decisions. Now’s the time to double down on clear, consistent messaging. If your customers don’t know what to expect from your business, they’ll wait—and you’ll lose momentum.

So spell it out:

• What’s staying the same

• What support is available

• Why buying now still makes sense

Need a Practical Way to Stay Steady?

You can’t control tariffs, trade talks, or whatever gets tweeted next. But you can control your message.

That’s why I created the 5-Minute Marketing Fix. It helps you write one clear sentence that tells people what you do and why they should trust you—no matter what’s happening in the news.

👉 Grab your free copy here.

Because when the sugar wears off, the businesses that stay standing will be the ones with clarity and consistency baked into everything they do.