Navigating The Tariff Uncertainty In The Short, Medium And Long-Term

Editor’s note: In an effort to help our community better future proof its supply chains, navigate tariffs and lead during rising economic uncertainty, we’ve partnered with the team at AlixPartners. More information, insights and ideas >

On April 10, 2025, experts from AlixPartners’ Sourcing and Procurement, Supply Chain and Growth teams gathered for a webinar: Navigating the Tariff Uncertainty in the Short, Medium and Long-Term.

The team discussed strategies for addressing new U.S. tariffs. View the webinar here.

Key Takeaways:   

The reciprocal tariffs are unprecedented in size and scope; though they are on a 90-day pause, the disruption from the 10 percent base universal tariff and +145 percent on China will have an enormous impact. While the “reciprocal tariffs,” after the pause, may vary country to country depending on new trade agreements, the magnitude of the tariffs means that their footprint may grow past the U.S. supply chain and spillover to impact every industry from financial institutions, to hospitality and entertainment. 

Four steps for immediate action:

1. Set up a “tariff war room”: Understand all ways in which you are impacted
2. Liquidity management: Focus on cash preservation
3. “No regret” levers: Optimize existing supply chain
4. Pricing to market situation: Execute effective pricing strategy

AlixPartners has experience advising companies on tackling supply chain tariff issues, both short and long term, including through strategies like FTZ, first sale programs, and manufacturing network optimization, and in navigating pricing strategies during a changing macroeconomic outlook. Overall, companies should use this time to identify a range of scenarios for supply chain diversification to reduce decision time once the situation clarifies. The key to navigating the current tariff environment is planning and preparing for contingencies.