Tariff impact on supply chain

How supply chains can prepare for tariffs and global trade wars

Shield your global supply chain network from changes to U.S. trade policy

CSCOs around the world must determine how to respond to potential shifts in U.S. trade policy. Given all of the unknowns facing the industry, supply chain leaders should create scenarios that can be modified as the underlying assumptions evolve and change. This research helps CSCOs, responsible for network strategy for the Americas, to evaluate contingency scenarios while continuing with business as usual.

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    The role of supply chain leaders during this period is to become trusted advisors to the rest of the organization and lead with business continuity plans for short-term, midterm and long-term horizons.

    Kamala Raman

    Senior Director Analyst, Gartner Research & Advisory

    Supply chains face shifts in trade policies

    As new tariffs and retaliatory tariffs grow between the U.S. and its global trading partners, uncertainty around the tariff impact on supply chain networks intensifies, along with the risk of significant impacts on supply chain costs. If risk mitigations from trade policy changes are done as ad hoc endeavors, they can emphasize organizational biases and impact long-term decision making.

    Global tensions heighten: The U.S increased tariffs from 10% to 25% on $200 billion in imports from China. In response, China increased tariffs on U.S agricultural imports from 5% to 25%.
    How to navigate tariff uncertainties. Event: Tariff uncertainty looms between US and China. Impact: Supply chains must reconsider existing sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution networks. Recommendations: Prepare by using scenario planning in sourcing, manufacturing and product flow; be flexible by having options for suppliers, contract manufacturers and manufacturing locations; and create digital models to test for impact on network cost and service levels.

    Preparing your supply chain for new trade policies

    While companies routinely seek to make their supply chains more competitive, very few have considered vulnerability to trade risks. The current uncertainties around tariffs offer companies that run highly agile supply chains a chance to gain a competitive advantage in the drastically changing global trade landscape. 

    How to navigate tariff uncertainties. Event: Tariff uncertainty looms between US and China. Impact: Supply chains must reconsider existing sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution networks. Recommendations: Prepare by using scenario planning in sourcing, manufacturing and product flow; be flexible by having options for suppliers, contract manufacturers and manufacturing locations; and create digital models to test for impact on network cost and service levels.

    Insights you can use

    Gartner’s insights identify some of the risk management tools that supply chain leaders can use during this period of uncertainty.

    Supply Chain in the Age of Trade Wars

    After decades of a globalization-friendly political climate, organizations around the world are now faced with growing protectionism and an emphasis on national manufacturing policies. This global trend has found its preliminary pinnacle in the trade war between the U.S. and China.

    Read Now

    Build a Resilient Supply Chain Amid U.S.-China Trade War

    Tariff tensions between the U.S. and China remain elevated, the result of a growing standoff involving trade, technology and defense policies. Although all industries are affected, global technology supply chains are at increased risk of fracturing.

    Read Now

    Use Scenario Planning to Build Supply Chain Resilience

    In this complimentary webinar, we will look at how shifting labor costs, changes in geopolitics and trade policies, and the need to be closer to customers are making companies question supply chains that have been designed specifically for cost efficiency. 

    Register Now

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    New Round of U.S.-China Tariffs Puts Additional Focus on Mitigation Strategies

    A growing trade dispute between the U.S. and China and a slowing global economy have created a challenging environment for global companies. This research outlines key steps companies have taken to mitigate the impact of tariffs, and precautions for supply chain leaders considering similar actions.

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    How CSCOs Can Stay Agile in the Turns

    CSCOs responsible for supply chain strategy, leadership and governance must start pushing their teams now to make sure they are prepared to implement plans, make course corrections and are ready to accelerate out of each turn.

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    Gartner topic experts

    Gartner’s supply chain experts include more than 100 people worldwide. Meet a few of our leaders.

    Kamala Raman
    Senior Director Analyst,
    Research & Advisory

    Greg Aimi
    VP, Team Manager,
    Research & Advisory

    Mark Atwood
    Managing VP,
    Research & Advisory

    Simon Bailey
    Senior Director Analyst,
    Research & Advisory 

    Miguel Cossio
    Senior Principal Analyst
    Research & Advisory

    Paul Lord
    Senior Director Analyst
    Research & Advisory

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