Sectoral impact of recent US trade tariffs: Sectors worst affected

The shifting landscape of global trade under US President Donald Trump continues to send ripples through the corporate world, with new data from the Central Bank of Kenya revealing that at least 60 per cent of companies have felt the impact of recent trade tariffs and policy changes.

The reach of these measures is broad, affecting a diverse array of industries far beyond traditional manufacturing.

Professional services currently lead the list of sectors worst affected, with 17.5 per cent of respondents identifying this area as a primary point of impact.

Following closely are ICT & Telecommunications and the hospitality industry—encompassing tourism, hotels, and restaurants—both cited by 15.8 per cent of those surveyed. These figures highlight a significant disruption in service-oriented sectors that rely on cross-border digital flows and international travel.

The financial sector has not been immune either, with 12.3 per cent of respondents noting it as a key area of concern. Agriculture, a cornerstone of many global economies, follows at 10.5 per cent

. Meanwhile, Wholesale & Retail trade and Manufacturing each account for 7.0 percent of the reported impact, suggesting that while these sectors are often the face of trade disputes, the secondary effects on services are proving to be even more widespread.

At the lower end of the spectrum, Healthcare and Real Estate both stand at 5.3 percent. While these sectors show a smaller percentage of direct impact compared to professional services, their inclusion reinforces the reality that very few corners of the economy remain untouched by the current trajectory of US trade policy.