The Supply Chain Executive’s Guide to Managing Tariff Uncertainty

A new era of global trade management – are you prepared?

For decades, tariffs worldwide have declined steadily since the Second World War. But that trend has reversed. Trade turbulence and tariff uncertainty are on the rise, and the threat of “Trump Tariffs” have all major U.S. trading partners on edge. Many have prepared retaliatory tariffs and threatened countermeasures. No one can say for sure how new tariffs may impact trade flows, economic growth, or inflation. All we can say is that we are entering a new era of trade relations with profound implications for global companies, and businesses can no longer afford to wait and react. The good news? There are concrete steps you can take to protect your bottom line.

How to stay ahead of tariff uncertainty

When it comes to driving through the bumpy road of tariff uncertainty and trade policies, the best approach is a proactive one. Rather than swerving half-hazard around potholes that could pop your tires, companies need a navigation system that can scout ahead. Here’s how businesses can build a more resilient and cost-effective supply chain:

Map your supply network
Map your supply network

Know your suppliers beyond the first tier. Identifying sub-tier suppliers and alternative sources ensures supply chain resilience before trade disputes escalate.

Plan for multiple scenarios
Plan for multiple scenarios

Tariffs impact more than just duties. Factor in transportation costs, taxes, and fees to fully understand the true cost of sourcing from different locations.

Optimize your customs strategy
Optimize your customs strategy

Preferential duty rates, free trade agreements, and special trade programs can offer huge savings—if managed correctly. Automating trade compliance processes can help you capture every opportunity.

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Real-world results: a $40M duty savings success story

Read about one global food manufacturer that took control of its tariff strategy—and saved over $40 million annually in duty costs. By streamlining import processes, centralizing compliance, and using trade agreements, they cut errors, improved cycle times, and increased product availability.

Their secret? The right technology and a proactive approach to global trade management.

Download the case study now to see how you can improve duty cost savings and inventory levels.

Key strategies supply chain leaders can follow to minimize tariff risks and reduce costs

Download this guide to discover how to prepare for the tariff uncertainty ahead. You’ll learn how to:

Identify country specific risks
Identify country specific risks

Learn how to map your supply chain beyond direct tier-one suppliers to identify compliance risks and seek alternative suppliers in regions with lower tariff exposure.

Use AI to access current global trade content
Use AI to access current global trade content

Tariffs are only one piece of the total cost puzzle. Discover how automation tools and access to current global trade content can help you simplify and evaluate components of landed cost, including hidden fees like taxes, harbor fees, and handling charges, and improve decision-making.

Implement effective scenario planning
Implement effective scenario planning

Get a holistic view and understand the total financial impact of sourcing decisions by using scenario planning to compare landed costs across different suppliers.

Optimize customs strategy through duty-savings programs
Optimize customs strategy through duty-savings programs

Explore how automated solutions and current regulatory information can help streamline supplier qualifications for free trade agreements, duty drawbacks, and customs programs to minimize duty costs and prevent compliance issues

Build a resilient supply chain
Build a resilient supply chain

Mitigate risks associated with tariff fluctuations by diversifying your supplier base and increasing insight into sub-tier suppliers.

Stay agile

Change is constant in global trade, but that doesn’t mean you have to be caught off guard. Staying informed, automating key processes, and making strategic sourcing decisions can help your business stay resilient even in uncertain times.

Want to see how you can prepare for the next wave of tariff changes? Fill out the form to download our guide.

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