McDonald’s sees global sales drop due to tariff uncertainty

Tariff flip-flops by the Trump administration have worsened wallet pressures and disrupted businesses, threatening to push up costs and upend supply chains

'Less affluent consumers are most vulnerable to the impact of inflation, and one of the first areas where they’ll cut back is dining out,' said EMarketer analyst Sky Canaves.

McDonald’s posted a surprise drop in first-quarter global sales, as demand from cash-strapped diners in the US and Europe faltered on uncertainty sparked by chaotic tariffs.

The world’s largest fast-food chain is navigating the “toughest of market conditions”, CEO Chris Kempczinski said, as restaurant visits by lower- and middle-income customers fell in double-digit range from last year.