In the United States, McDonald’s has recorded its worst turnover since the Cavid pandemic, in a climate of household distrust of the American economy. The fast food giant saw its sales across the Altanic falling 3.6 % in the first quarter of 2025. Despite marketing operations as a collaboration with the film “Minecraft” or prolonged promotional offers, American consumers were less numerous to cross the doors of the brand.
“Customers are faced with a period of uncertainty,” said Chris Kempczinski, group CEO, while ensuring that McDonald’s had “the necessary agility to face even the most difficult markets”. Indeed, American GDP fell 0.3 % at an annual rate in the first quarter, marking the first decline since 2022. A situation that weighs on consumption, in particular among the most modest households.
“Americans are nervous”
Questioned by the BBC, Danni Hewson, financial analyst at AJ Bell, notes that “the Americans are nervous and they reduce their non -essential expenses”. It also points out “the fear of a new price increase” and fears of layoffs while companies are in an “uncertain price environment”.
Our file on McDonald’s
Despite this situation, McDonald’s remains confident. “Consumers can always count on us for exceptional value,” said Chris Kempczinski, highlighting the group’s legacy in terms of “innovation, leadership and resilience”. Globally, the drop in American sales has resulted in a 1 % decline in the group’s comparable turnover, despite increasing performance in Japan, Australia and the Middle East.
