Revenue growth in 2025? It Depends…
2025 is cautiously positive with global GDP growth is expected at around 2.7% for 2025, and the U.S. projected to grow about 2.5%. At a corporate revenue level, one commentary suggests that revenue growth for most corporates globally will be in the low to mid‐single‐digit range in 2025 - particularly in North America and EMEA. Fitch Ratings+1
We’re not talking explosive growth across all sectors, but selective strong areas, and moderate growth elsewhere.
From there, let’s look at how various industries are expected to perform.
Industry snapshots
1. Technology / Semiconductors
The semiconductor industry is a standout: according to Deloitte, the global semiconductor market is expected to rise to US$697 billion in 2025 (from US$627 billion in 2024) - representing strong growth. Deloitte This growth is being driven by demand tied to generative AI, data‐centers and new compute infrastructure, even though other segments (like PCs, mobiles) are less robust. Deloitte
Key takeaway: If your business is in or tied to high‑growth tech hardware, chips, compute, AI infrastructure - growth is stronger than the global average.
Tip: Focus on product segments tied to the AI/data‐center build‑out, and be mindful of weaker demand in legacy segments.
2. Consumer Products & Retail
In the consumer products industry, the outlook for 2025 is “moderate but shifting” according to Deloitte US. Deloitte. Although global economic surprises in 2024 were upside, the business environment remains competitive. Key themes for 2025:
Product portfolios are getting leaner (cutting low‐performers, investing in innovation). Deloitte
Demand generation is becoming more digital, targeted and relevance‑driven. Deloitte
Efficiency via digitization and automation to support growth. Deloitte
While I didn’t find a crisp global % growth number for the full consumer products sector for 2025, this shows a “steady growth but not boom” story.
Key takeaway: Growth will be more about margin expansion, portfolio optimization and digital/consumer‑insight operations, rather than large revenue leaps.
Tip: If you’re in consumer goods, invest in data/marketing/digital efficiency - the “how we grow” is as important as “how much we grow”.
3. Industrials / Manufacturing
For the industrials/manufacturing sector, 2025 is seen as a potential “broader liftoff” year - but risks remain. Oxford Economics+1. For example, in the U.S., one article projects about a 4.2% revenue increase for manufacturing in 2025, driven by easing pressures and investment in capital infrastructure.
Key takeaway: A moderate rebound in manufacturing/industrial revenue growth is feasible - low‐single‐digit to mid‐single‑digit growth.
Tip: For companies in industrials, highlight productivity/transformation initiatives and cost/margin levers, along with revenue growth.
4. Software & Services
In the software industry, growth prospects remain healthy, though somewhat mixed. Morningstar
While specific global revenue growth rate numbers for 2025 weren’t always explicit in the sources I found, software firms tied to cloud, AI, digital transformation continue to outpace many segments.
Key takeaway: Software/services businesses with strong recurring revenue, cloud/AI orientation, and value‑add models are in a good place for 2025.
Tip: If you’re in services/software, emphasize recurring/repeatable models, scalability (rather than one‐off projects), and align to digital transformation tailwinds.
5. Business Services
The “business services” category (consulting, outsourcing, managed services) also gets attention in 2025 ‑ with a backdrop of recurring revenue, non‑deferrable demand, and diverse end markets. harriswilliams.com
Key takeaway: Business services that have diversified clients, recurring models, and digital capability are likely to show solid growth (better than average).
Tip: If your business is in services to enterprise/other businesses, lean into “value delivered over time”, subscription/managed models, and client ecosystem thinking.
6. Entertainment & Media
In the entertainment & media (E&M) sector, growth is expected but at a more modest pace than some high‑tech sectors. For example, according to PwC’s Global E&M Outlook 2025‑29, the industry is projected to grow at a 3.7% CAGR through 2029. TV Tech. AI‑powered advertising, digital formats, connected TV, and gaming are major growth drivers. Reuters+1.
Key takeaway: E&M growth is steady but relatively low compared with faster sectors; the mix is shifting (more digital, more advertising, more AI).
Tip: Media/advertising businesses should focus on digital formats, personalized content, and technology‑enabled delivery.
What does this mean for revenue growth strategy?
Segment your growth outlook: Don’t assume uniform growth across your company. Some business units may grow at 8‑20% (e.g., AI/semiconductors), others at 2‑5% (e.g., mature consumer, media).
Emphasize value not just volume: Margin, recurring revenue, subscription/managed services matter more in moderate‑growth environments.
Leverage tailwinds: Identify and ride the high‑growth segments (AI, cloud, digital infrastructure, transformation) within your industry.
Be agile in cost/margin management: In moderate growth years, cost control, pricing excellence, digital efficiency provide edge.
Don’t ignore external risks: Trade‑policy shifts, supply‑chain disruptions, inflation, changing consumer behavior - all still relevant in 2025. McKinsey & Company+1
1. Segment your growth strategy by business line and customer profile
Not all parts of your company or customer base will grow at the same pace. High-growth segments such as AI infrastructure, cloud software, or B2B services may see double-digit gains. Meanwhile, traditional sectors like consumer goods, media, or non-digital services may only see modest single-digit growth.
Action:
Disaggregate your revenue forecasts by product, region, or vertical. Double down on fast-lane segments with additional investment in marketing, product, and partnerships. For slower-growth areas, shift the focus to cost control, retention, and customer lifetime value.
2. Prioritize value creation over volume expansion
In moderate growth environments, success often hinges more on margin improvement and value-added offerings than sheer revenue volume. Businesses with strong pricing power, premium positioning, or differentiated services will outperform.
Action:
Train your teams on value-based selling. Introduce packaging, bundling, or tiered pricing strategies. Align customer success and post-sale engagement to reinforce the value narrative and reduce churn.
3. Lean into recurring revenue and predictability
Investors and operators alike are putting a premium on stability. Subscription-based models, long-term contracts, and high customer retention provide predictable growth and protect against volatility.
Action:
Where possible, transition transactional or one-time services to a recurring model. Expand your upsell and cross-sell playbooks. Create onboarding, training, and success frameworks that increase customer stickiness.
4. Leverage structural tailwinds like AI, digitization, and infrastructure modernization
Even within slow-growing industries, there are fast-moving currents. AI adoption, cloud migration, cybersecurity modernization, and automation are fueling investment across sectors.
Action:
Align your offerings, messaging, and go-to-market strategy to these tailwinds. Ask: What problems are being created by this shift? How can your solution become the answer? Are your sales teams fluent in the language of transformation?
5. Optimize cost structure and operational efficiency in parallel with growth
Revenue growth without margin discipline is a short-lived win. As many industries see tight competition and slower pricing expansion, operational excellence will be a key differentiator.
Action:
Audit your revenue operations stack. Consolidate tools, automate manual handoffs, and reduce friction across the funnel. Invest in sales enablement, data-driven forecasting, and tighter marketing-to-sales alignment.
6. Monitor external volatility and prepare for regional differences
While global revenue growth may average around 2 to 5 percent, local market conditions vary widely. Regulatory shifts, inflation, consumer confidence, and supply chain dynamics all influence performance.
Action:
Develop scenario-based plans at the regional or market level. Build in flexibility for demand shifts, especially in export-sensitive or commodity-linked sectors. Establish more agile planning cycles to respond to near-real-time changes.
Final take
2025 is a year where intelligent revenue strategy beats brute-force selling. Growth is available, but not everywhere. The winners will be those who know exactly where to find it, how to sustain it, and how to extract more value from every deal, every product line, and every customer relationship.
