New Survey Finds Disconnect Between Support for U.S. Manufacturing and Consumer Behavior

Americans increasingly see business as a force for good. But they still want companies to do more — especially when it comes to strengthening communities, supporting workers and promoting U.S.-made goods, according to the 2025 Bentley-Gallup Business in Society Survey.

The nationally representative study of more than 3,000 U.S. adults finds that 65% of Americans say businesses have a positive impact on people’s lives, a 10-point increase since 2022. In addition, 87% say they have the power to improve lives, but only 60% believe companies are effectively using their power to improve society and just 43% trust their intentions.

“The Bentley-Gallup Business in Society Report provides clear, quantifiable insights about Americans' attitudes toward business," said Bentley University President E. LaBrent Chrite, Ph.D. "Business leaders who understand what Americans expect and want from companies can better navigate through these turbulent times.”

Business Seen as More Trustworthy Than Government

Americans are more likely to trust businesses (43%) than the federal government (31%) to act in society’s best interest. Still, business trails behind charitable and advocacy organizations (80%) and local governments (50%) in public trust.

Similarly, 87% of Americans say businesses have the potential to improve lives, but just 60% believe they are delivering on that promise. The perceived shortfall is most evident in key areas like environmental sustainability, healthcare benefits and mental health support, where high expectations remain unmet.

Support for Buying American Is Strong but Inconsistent

Sixty-four percent of Americans say it is important that their groceries and food are produced domestically. However, fewer express the same concern for other goods, such as clothing (43%), electronics (31%) and alcohol (29%). And when asked about their actual purchasing habits, only 39% say they consistently consider where products are made. Nearly one-quarter (24%) say they rarely or never do.

The top reasons Americans value U.S.-made goods are to support American jobs (71%), boost the U.S. economy (57%) and reduce reliance on foreign goods (42%). While these motives are shared across party lines, Democrats are more likely to cite labor and environmental concerns, while Republicans prioritize economic and national resilience.

“Americans see business as a powerful engine for progress, but many feel that potential is not being fully realized,” said Stephanie Marken, senior partner at Gallup. “The data show a widening gap between what people expect from companies and what they believe businesses are delivering, especially when it comes to supporting workers, communities and American-made goods.”

Tariffs Viewed With Skepticism

Despite strong symbolic support for American-made goods, most Americans remain wary of tariffs as a policy tool. Just over half (53%) say tariffs do more harm than good to the U.S. economy. Only 22% believe they are beneficial. Support for tariffs is concentrated among Republicans and conservatives; most other demographic groups remain unconvinced.

Americans Want More From Business

The findings reveal a consistent pattern: Americans value the role of business in society but see a gap between businesses’ perceived capacity and their performance. For example, 96% say it is important for companies to offer quality healthcare, but only 29% believe businesses are doing so effectively. Similarly, while 91% expect businesses to support mental health, just 28% give businesses high marks for performance in that area.