In 2025, the US financial cards and payments landscape was shaped by significant regulatory realignment and intensified competition in the premium segment. The economy remained resilient during ongoing inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainties, while the Federal Reserve gradually reduced interest rates. The Trump Administration implemented regulatory changes, including modifications to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s mandate, which influenced the payments sector. Card issu

Charge cards recorded continued growth in the US in 2025, with both cards in circulation and transaction volumes increasing during sustained migration toward digital and card-based payments. Consumer uptake was supported by enhanced rewards and premium product refreshes, prompting some spending to shift from credit and debit cards to charge cards in order to capture sign-up bonuses and lifestyle benefits. Commercial charge card activity also expanded, aided by the ongoing return-to-office trend

In 2025, US debit card usage continued to grow, partly driven by younger consumers’ preference for debit over credit. Transaction volumes rose alongside the ongoing decline in cash and cheque usage. Regulatory shifts, including potential adjustments to interchange fees and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) oversight, are expected to shape the market. Visa retained market leadership by transaction value, while JPMorgan Chase led issuers by the number of cards in circulation.

In 2025, US pre-paid cards continued to expand, driven by cash displacement, venue digitisation, and strong growth in closed-loop products. Transaction volumes increased as consumers shifted low-value purchases from cash to prepaid cards, a trend reinforced by the cessation of penny production. Open-loop cards benefit from gig economy payroll trends and the growing comfort of younger consumers with fintech-based accounts, while light-touch federal regulation supports continued growth.

Store cards experienced growth in 2025, supported by expanding access to credit through digital sign-ups, instant credit checks, and point-of-sale applications, as well as the expansion of medical-focused cards. Transactions increased within a regulatory environment that reduced compliance burdens and encouraged greater consumer engagement, allowing issuers to offer more incentives and flexible credit limits. High interest rates on store cards persist, reflecting the higher default risk relative

In 2025, US credit card circulation and transactions continued to grow, driven by both personal and commercial sectors, with mass affluent consumers particularly incentivised by rewards and premium offerings. Capital One’s acquisition of Discover marked a major structural shift, creating one of the largest combined issuers and initiating a migration of portfolios to the Discover Network. Legal and regulatory developments also shaped the landscape, including a proposed settlement in the long-runn

In 2024, the US packaging market is undergoing a profound transformation driven by the demand for sustainable and operationally efficient solutions. Manufacturers are transitioning from conventional plastic packaging to alternatives such as paper, cardboard, bio-based substrates and advanced flexible formats designed to minimise material usage and optimise logistics. This shift is propelled by heightened consumer preference for environmentally responsible options and reinforced by regulatory fra

Menswear in the US experienced constrained retail value growth in 2025, reaching USD112,710 million, representing 2% growth in current terms from the previous year. This slow growth reflects cautious consumer behaviour driven by economic uncertainty and rising living costs. Despite this, menswear remained relatively resilient due to its functional nature. Sales are expected to return to higher growth, with a CAGR of 3% over the forecast period to reach USD130,350 million in 2030, driven by stead

Womenswear in the US experienced a challenging 2025 due to tariffs and supply chain disruptions, resulting in subdued value growth of 1% to reach USD170,061 million. Stronger growth is expected in the forecast period, with a retail current value CAGR of 3% to reach USD196,961 million. Trends shaping womenswear are expected to include the rise of resale platforms, the importance of omnichannel retailing, and the growing demand for affordability and sustainability. Brands that adapt to these chang

Hosiery in the US experienced a challenging year in 2025 due to tariffs and supply chain disruptions, resulting in a decline in retail volume sales. Despite this, sales continued to rise in current value terms. Non-sheer hosiery remained the largest category and saw the highest growth rates, driven by its relative essentiality and affordability. Moving forward, stronger retail current value growth is expected for hosiery, driven by non-sheer hosiery. The increasing importance of sustainability,

Apparel accessories in the US experienced a decline in retail value sales in current terms in 2025, primarily due to ongoing tariff announcements, which weakened consumer and business confidence, and a shift towards casualwear. Despite this, certain categories, like hats/caps, performed relatively better due to the increased emphasis on sun protection and alignment with outdoor lifestyle trends. Disposable income in the US continues to grow, however, indicating potential for future recovery, wit

Sales of footwear in the US experienced a marginal decline in both retail volume and current value terms in 2025, falling to 2,670 million units USD89,901 million, largely due to tariff uncertainties and supply chain issues. Women's footwear remained the largest category, while men's footwear showed relative resilience. Moving forward, footwear is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3% over the forecast period, driven by the increasing popularity of sneakers and a heightened focus on health and wellne

Childrenswear in the US demonstrated resilience in 2025, with 1% growth to reach USD40.7 billion, with increases seen across all categories despite economic uncertainties. This growth is expected to continue, with a forecast CAGR of 3% through to 2030, driven by parents' increasing demand for affordable and sustainable solutions. The category is characterised by a shift towards off-price channels, deals, and second-hand options. To succeed, brands must adapt to these trends by emphasising value,

Apparel and footwear in the US experienced modest growth in 2025, with a marginal retail volume increase, and 1% retail current value growth. This subdued performance was driven by a combination of factors, including ongoing tariff changes and shifting consumer preferences. The rise of the resale and rental trends, driven by consumers seeking affordability and sustainability, also hampered growth in primary sales. Apparel and footwear is characterised by a high level of fragmentation, with a mix

Sportswear in the US experienced 1% growth in 2025, reaching USD158,376 million. Despite economic uncertainties and tariff announcements, the athleisure trend continued to drive growth. Sales are forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3% to USD184,515 million in 2030, driven by an increasing consumer focus on health, wellness, and comfort, and a rise in the median disposable income per household. Brands should leverage sustainability, technology, and omnichannel strategies to succeed in this competitive

Jeans in the US experienced a challenging year in 2025, with a marginal decline in volume sales, driven by economic uncertainty and shifting consumer preferences towards affordability and value. Despite this, retail value sales increased by 1%, to reach USD18,448 million. Stronger growth is anticipated moving forward, with a CAGR of 2% to 2030, driven by economy and standard jeans. To succeed, brands must focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and AI-driven innovation, as seen in Kontoor Brands's

BNPL continues to soar while tariffs boosted auto lending in 2025. Changes to support for students is also resulting in more students turning to education lending. Further changes to government regulations are expected to impact consumer credit in the forecast period, with cuts to ACA subsidies for example likely to increase demand for medical lending.

Jewellery in the US is characterised by growth driven primarily by fine jewellery, as consumers adopt a mantra of buying better but less. Despite a challenging economic environment, with cooling inflation and interest rates, and new disruptions emerging from tariffs, jewellery experienced positive current value growth in 2025. The number of high-net-worth individuals in the US is forecast to continue growing, indicating a potential increase in demand for luxury goods like fine jewellery over the

Personal accessories in the US experienced growth of 2% in retail volume in 2025, reaching 8.0 billion units, with retail value sales increasing by 3% to USD138.4 billion. This growth was largely driven by positive trends in jewellery, with fine jewellery supported by a mantra of buying better but less. The number of high-net-worth individuals in the US continues to grow, indicating a potential market for luxury personal accessories. However, challenges remain with the rising popularity of lab-g

Bags and luggage in the US is characterised by a complex interplay of factors, including tariffs, supply chain issues, and shifting consumer preferences. In 2025, the category experienced a retail current growth rate of 1% to reach USD37.6 billion, driven primarily by the demand for practical and versatile products such as backpacks and duffel bags. The category is expected to continue growing, with a forecast current value CAGR of 2% to USD41.7 billion by 2030, driven by strong domestic demand

Writing instruments in the US experienced a modest rebound in 2025, with value sales growth of 2% reaching USD3.3 billion. This was driven by consumers purchasing low-budget essentials in anticipation of increased prices. This growth is expected to continue, with a forecast CAGR of 2% over the forecast period, to reach USD3.7 billion by 2030. The market's attractiveness is enhanced by the continued importance of the back-to-school season and the growing demand for nostalgia-driven products and c

Traditional and connected watches in the US experienced a slowdown in value growth in 2025 due to tariff uncertainty and shifting consumer preferences. Despite this, the category is forecast to record a 3% current value CAGR to reach USD24.1 billion by 2030, driven by technological innovation and an increasing number of high-net-worth individuals. Continued innovation in health features is a key trend shaping the connected segment. Brands that adapt to these changes and focus on omnichannel reta

Rising concerns around high rates of obesity and diabetes and the harmful impact of consuming ultra-processed foods has been impacting purchasing decisions across the packaged food and beverages market. This has benefited sales of products with better for you claims such as low sugar, as well as products with shorter ingredient lists and natural and organic claims. There has also been a growing demand for functional products, with high protein and high fibre claims seeing particularly strong int

Supply shortages of key ingredients such as coffee and cocoa continued to put pressure on volume sales of hot drinks in 2024, including those with health and wellness claims. Despite consumers adopting a cautious approach to spending there remained a steady demand for hot drinks with functional claims, especially those promoting sleep and relaxation. Meanwhile, growing concerns around ultra-processed foods and beverages benefited sales of natural products.