CES 2025 has tech trends to grow, as long as a trade war doesn't start | CTA

The tech market in the US is expected to grow a few percent in 2025 to $537 billion, as long as there is no trade war fueled by promised tariffs from president-elect Donald Trump, according to the Consumer Technology Association , the group that sends. on CES.

That's one of the predictions made today about technical trends at the opening session of CES 2025the big tech trade show in Las Vegas this week. AI could drive that growth, as 93% of US adults are familiar with generational AI. And 61% of US adults have used an AI tool that worked.

Brian Comiskey, senior director of innovation and trends at the CTA, spoke about the predictions for tech trends in front of a room full of international tech press. He noted that Gen Z is about 32% of the world's population now, and it is 27% of the economic workers of the OECD. He said Gen Z grew up with smartphones and is the first truly native generation.

Comiskey said 60% of Gen Z are early adopters of technology in the US, based on their shopping habits. Comiskey joined Melissa Harrison, head of marketing and communications at the CTA, the trade association that promotes CES.

The CTA expects the US tech market to grow 3.2% to $537 billion in 2025, up from $520 billion in 2024. But the warning is that Trump's promised tariffs could bring those numbers down significantly if the tariffs trigger a trade war. Things like laptop sales could drop by as much as two-thirds if that happens, he said. Game consoles would be greatly affected in a negative way.

Human security is a huge trend that affects technology. That includes energy transition, including grid stability and infrastructure. Companies are investing in nuclear power just to power the infrastructure needed to meet AI demand, Comiskey said.

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

The AI ​​sales market is expected to hit $7 billion while virtual experimentation is set to become a $2 billion market. Consumers are going to buy AI. about 64% have used AI tools for online shopping.

The innovative enterprise benefits from advances in computing and AI technology. Semiconductors can only perform at their best if software enables a modern data infrastructure. Smart Home will take advantage of the next generation of AI for products like smarter TVs. AI will help with robotic vacuums from Narwal, and improve pet care products like Pawport.

Harrison said she toured the show floor and noted that Oshkosh, which is more than 100 years old, is showing up to CES for the first time and is “bringing ,” she said.

And the future looks promising. “If the 2020s are the information decade, the 2030s will be the quantum decade,” Comiskey said.