Four moves to navigate tariffs: How agile supply chains turn uncertainty into advantage

Spring 2025. The U.S. Trump administration announced significant new tariffs on global imports—putting renewed pressure on U.S.-China trade and sending shockwaves through international supply chains. 

This move instantly affected billions of dollars worth of goods and unsettled supply chains across most industries. Automotive components, electronics, machinery, and construction materials—all particularly critical to U.S. manufacturing and distribution—are facing immediate cost increases and uncertainty. 

Many businesses are in panic, questioning supplier reliability, adjusting forecasts, and recalculating margins. The other countries’ reactions might further escalate things, targeting U.S. businesses with tariffs of their own. 

The cost and confusion rise with each passing hour, making one thing clear: waiting for the dust to settle is not an option. 

Supply chains must adapt now. But true adaptation is not about implementing quick fixes or adding unnecessary complexity. It’s about increasing operational efficiency and agility. 

Here’s the reality your supply chain faces, why indecision could be costly, and four clear actions your business can take in the short term. 

Tariffs are here—and probably won’t go away anytime soon

This recent tariff escalation is more than a political glitch. According to Harvard Business Review, ongoing trade tensions are now a structural part of global commerce. Businesses hoping to “wait and see” risk finding themselves at a serious disadvantage.

Delaying strategic action can mean:

• Lost market position: Competitors that proactively shift sourcing strategies and streamline compliance now gain a competitive advantage. 
• Permanent margin decrease: Short-term attempts to absorb tariff costs can become permanent losses without strategic operational adjustments. 
• Operational disruption: Supply chains that remain reactive face increased delays, unexpected shortages, and potential fines due to rushed compliance decisions. 

On the other hand, companies that respond proactively can evolve supplier networks without too much disruption, keeping their supply chain lean and responsive. 

Here’s what your organization can start doing today. 

Four strategic moves to navigate 2025 tariff uncertainty

1. Diversify suppliers without creating chaos

A haste shift to new suppliers can destabilize your operations, leading to inconsistent quality, documentation nightmares, and costly errors. 

Strategic diversification, however, can help you build resilience without chaos. Not putting all your eggs in one basket acts as a buffer against new tariff disruptions, but only if new suppliers can be integrated quickly and seamlessly. 

With Tech85’s EDI solutions, businesses can onboard new suppliers quickly and without the usual headaches. With automation templates and real-time data validation, every new connection follows the same standardized process, eliminating errors that often come with shifting partners.  

2. Gain immediate supply chain visibility—so you can act faster

The tariff volatility that we are seeing today demands real-time clarity. Businesses that know precisely how tariffs affect each shipment, product line, and cost component are equipped to outperform their less-informed rivals. 

Companies that leverage automated, real-time supply chain data can make faster, better-informed decisions. With integrated EDI solutions, you can quickly see tariff impacts on your order management, logistics, and inventory levels, allowing your team to mitigate risks in time. 

3. Turn compliance from a burden into a strategic advantage

New trade tariffs introduce complexity and risk—especially around compliance. 

Misclassified shipments, inaccurate customs documentation, and overlooked regulations can trigger severe penalties, costly delays, and damaged relationships. 

It is not a surprise that the businesses most negatively impacted by tariffs were those relying heavily on manual processes and outdated compliance systems. 

Tech85 can help you transform compliance into a strategic strength. Our custom supply chain solutions are built to eliminate all manual errors and streamline your internal processes, helping you become and stay compliant even in such turbulent times. 

4. Counter tariff costs directly through targeted automation

New tariffs inevitably raise the costs of doing business. But passing every increase to your customers isn’t sustainable. A better approach is to offset tariff-related expenses through strategic, targeted operational automation. 

Businesses that automate repetitive and error-prone tasks—such as document processing, customs paperwork, and invoicing—achieve immediate cost savings that effectively neutralize tariff-related overhead costs.

For instance, Rare Beauty Brands saved $500,000 through EDI automation. We helped them eliminate eight thousand manual labor hours, helping them build a more resilient business over time. 

Why lean, purposeful tech is your best move at this moment

If you want to adapt to tariff changes successfully, adding layers of tech is probably not the wisest move. Why? Because the last thing you want right now is to add even more confusion and delays. 

You don’t need a solution that “reimagines” or “revolutionizes” your operations. You need a solution that simplifies operations, helping you increase clarity, agility, and efficiency. 

Here’s what such a solution looks like:

• Near real-time visibility for strategic decisions
• Automated compliance and risk management
• Standardized, error-free EDI document exchange
• Cost-efficient process automation to offset tariff expenses

In short, you don’t need to add more complexity—but to remove it. 

How are tariffs affecting supply chains? It’s up to you

Any market disruption usually harms the companies slowest to protect themselves. Slowest to evolve. 

With precise, proactive strategies and clear-headed implementation, your supply chain can become even stronger during this current volatility. 

So, instead of waiting and hoping for change, start securing your supply chain operations. Reduce costs, streamline compliance, and position your business for sustainable growth. 

At Tech85, we help you stay resilient in uncertain times. Our EDI and supply chain automation solutions are built even for the most complex situations. They fit into your existing workflows, keeping your operations on track, even as trade conditions shift. 

‍Schedule a strategy session with our leading experts to start building resilience and growth in your supply chain.