The United States has seen a sharp rise in corporate bankruptcies in 2025, with 246 large companies filing for bankruptcy through April alone, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. This marks the highest number of year-to-date filings since 2010.

The number is a significant increase from 206 filings during the same period in 2024 and is more than double the 120 filings recorded in the first four months of 2022. In April 2025 alone, 59 companies declared bankruptcy as trade tariffs escalated, adding pressure to struggling businesses.

The industrials sector has been the most affected so far in 2025, with 41 companies filing for bankruptcy. This is followed by 31 bankruptcies in the consumer discretionary sector and 17 in healthcare. S&P Global notes that consumer discretionary firms are under heavy strain due to market volatility, rising tariffs, and inflation-related uncertainty.

Historically, corporate bankruptcies peaked during the global financial crisis, with over 5,000 filings in both 2009 and 2010. While the current levels are not near those highs, the upward trend in 2025 is a cause for concern, especially amid tightening credit conditions and persistent macroeconomic headwinds.

With eight months remaining in the year, experts warn that bankruptcy filings may continue to rise if economic pressures persist.

The 2025 figure of 246 filings already surpasses the totals recorded at the same point in any year since 2010. In April alone, 59 companies filed for bankruptcy—partly due to intensifying tariffs, which are adding operational and import-related costs across industries.