When it comes to economic uncertainty, we are living through some troubling times in 2025.
One of the reasons is President Trump’s newly declared tariffs, which have sent consumers and businesses alike into a state of panic.
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Then there’s the state of the stock market, which is on target for its worst first 100 days of any presidential term in more than 50 years. Many of the Magnificent 7 — Meta, Apple, Google, and Nvidia — have all seen sharp drops in value since the start of the year, leaving the tech sector in an uproar.
Combine this situation with a continuing focus on AI and executives threatening that the technology will eliminate many of the jobs human beings do today, and it’s no wonder that people feel less than secure about the state of the world they live in.
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Now a new report from Apollo Global Management suggests that more bad news is on the way, this time aimed at the working class. Two particular job fields may be in jeopardy within the next few months, and if you happen to be in one of them, you may want to read up on what’s coming.
Delivery truck drivers may be facing some difficult headwinds soon.
Image source: Sundry Photography/Getty Images
Problems coming to the trucking industry
Trucking has typically been known as a reliable career choice, although some struggle with the isolation and long hours.
But according to Apollo’s report, the disruptions tariffs will cause to trade, especially with China, will have a negative effect on those working in the trucking industry.
The report suggests that a sharp decline in container-ship voyages from China will significantly reduce freight volumes, meaning fewer trucks will be needed to transport goods.
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Apollo estimates that imports accounts for 20% of U.S. trucking volume, which if reduced, would translate to less need for drivers. It also estimates that domestic freight activity will hit a major slowdown by mid-May, with major layoffs to follow in order for trucking companies to cope with the changes.
Add in that President Trump signed an executive order on April 28 that requires all truck drivers to be able to speak English, and even more jobs will be snuffed out.
“Federal law is clear, a driver who cannot sufficiently read or speak English — our native language — and understand road signs is unqualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle in America,” Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a press release announcing the move.
Retail is also at risk
Another blue-collar sector that will suffer because of the tariff environment, according to Apollo, is retail.
Apollo’s data suggests that retail will also face problems due to the decline in container shipments, especially from China. This will lead to stores running out of stock and longer gaps until they are able to refill their shelves. Other items could disappear altogether if they’re too expensive to import.
In addition, Apollo predicts that declining consumer confidence in the economy and fear of spending on anything nonessential will mean a slowdown in retail shopping. After all, less sales means less money to pay staff.
Further, the tariff-driven slowdown could lead to stagflation — stagnant growth combined with high inflation — according to Apollo’s analysis.
While all these are very real threats, it remains to be seen what President Trump will do once his current 90-day pause on tariffs (outside of China) is up. Despite these estimations, retail sales were up in March, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
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