US consumers curb spending amid tariff policies and economic uncertainty

US consumers are adapting their spending habits amid economic uncertainty and the Trump administration's trade policies, according to a KPMG study cited by CNBC. Due to unpredictable actions of the White House and rising prices, Americans are being forced to revise their financial plans, delaying major purchases and worrying about increased debt burden.

Analyzing the current situation, KPMG’s Matt Kramer highlights that consumers are adapting quickly to the new economic situation demonstrating more financially conscious behavior, particularly compared to the pandemic era. This shift stems from both accumulated experience in crisis budgeting and tightening credit conditions.

The study reveals that 68% of Americans tend to avoid new loans, while 43% plan to delay auto purchases. Against this backdrop, 70% of respondents have either switched or intend to switch to ad-supported streaming platforms, abandoning premium subscriptions. Focused on maintaining financial stability, consumers are actively pursuing cost-cutting measures, including downgrading to more affordable service alternatives.