Tech trends at CES 2025 favor growth, as long as the trade war doesn’t start | Call to action

The U.S. technology market is expected to grow by a fraction in 2025 to reach $537 billion, as long as there is no trade war caused by promised tariffs from President-elect Donald Trump, according to the Consumer Technology Association, the group that puts on CES.

This is one of the predictions made today about technology trends in the opening session of Consumer Electronics Show 2025the big tech trade show in Las Vegas this week. AI can drive this growth, as 93% of US adults are familiar with generative AI. 61% of US adults have used a successful AI tool.

Brian Comiskey, Senior Director of Innovation and Trends at CTA, spoke about forecasts for technology trends to a room full of the global tech press. He pointed out that Generation Z now represents about 32% of the global population, and 27% of the economic workforce in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. He said that Generation Z grew up with smartphones and is the first true digital generation.

Comiskey said 60% of Generation Z are early adopters of technology in the United States, based on their purchasing habits. Comiskey took the stage with Melissa Harrison, head of marketing and communications for CTA, the trade association that organizes CES.

The CTA expects the US technology market to grow 3.2% to $537 billion in 2025, up from $520 billion in 2024. But the caveat is that the tariffs promised by Trump could significantly lower those numbers if the tariffs lead to a trade war. . Things like laptop sales could fall by as much as two-thirds if that happens, he said. Gaming consoles will also be greatly affected in a negative way.

Human security is a big trend that will impact technology. This includes the energy transition, including grid and infrastructure resilience. Comiskey said companies are investing in nuclear energy just to power the infrastructure needed to meet the demand for artificial intelligence.

He also said we’re moving toward autonomy, for everything from airplanes to Waymo’s self-driving vehicles to Mobileye’s sensors.

The retail market dedicated to artificial intelligence is expected to reach $7 billion, while the value of virtual experiences will reach $2 billion. Consumers are buying using artificial intelligence. About 64% have used AI tools to shop online.

Modern organizations are benefiting from advances in computing and artificial intelligence technology. Semiconductors can only perform at their best if the software enables modern data infrastructure. The smart home will leverage next-generation AI for products like smarter TVs. AI will help create Narwal robotic vacuum cleaners, and improve pet care products like Pawport.

Harrison said she toured the show floor and noticed that Oshkosh, which is more than 100 years old, was appearing at CES for the first time and she was “bringing it,” as she put it.

The future looks promising. “If the 2020s are the decade of intelligence, then the 2030s will be the decade of quantum,” Comiskey said.

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