Clorox cuts annual sales forecast as consumer demand weakens amid economic uncertainty

May 5 (Reuters) - Clorox CLX.N trimmed its annual sales forecast on Monday, as the bleach maker saw weak consumer demand in the backdrop of economic uncertainty spurred by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs.

The company's exposure to tariffs was limited, with a single-digit percentage of raw materials being sourced from Mexico and Canada, but fears of a recession stemming from a global trade war have made customers more cautious about spending.

"Heightened macroeconomic uncertainties drove changes in shopping behaviors, resulting in temporary category slowdowns and lower sales. We expect these slowdowns to persist in the fourth quarter," CEO Linda Rendle said.

Clorox's net sales fell 8% to $1.67 billion from a year ago, missing analysts' estimates of $1.73 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.

The company expects annual net sales to be down 1% to flat, compared with its earlier target of down 1% to up 2%.

On an adjusted basis, Clorox earned profit of $1.45 per share, compared with analysts' estimates of $1.57 per share.

Peers, including Pampers maker Procter & Gamble PG.N and Colgate-Palmolive CL.N, announced last month that they would raise prices on select products to offset higher input costs stemming from the trade war.