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The Gartner Supply Chain Podcast

Tariff Volatility and Supply Chain Uncertainty

Feb 6, 2025
Explore the reactions of supply chain leaders to escalating U.S. tariffs and the uncertainty they create. Discover how organizations are adapting their strategies to mitigate risks and manage inventory effectively. Learn about the evolution of trade volatility between past and current administrations. The significance of scenario planning in navigating tariff challenges is also highlighted. This conversation emphasizes the need for both short-term tactics and long-term strategies in a shifting geopolitical landscape.
15:42

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Tariff volatility is driven by executive orders, creating uncertainty that impacts supply chain forecasting and necessitates strategic planning adjustments.
  • Organizations are leveraging both short-term and long-term strategies to navigate tariffs, emphasizing the importance of scenario planning in decision-making processes.

Deep dives

Understanding Tariff Uncertainty

The current tariff landscape is marked by significant uncertainty, primarily driven by evolving executive orders and their implications for supply chain management. Companies are grappling with the challenges of forecasting tariff impacts, particularly regarding the scope and amounts of these tariffs, which creates difficulty in strategic planning. Notably, there is concern regarding potential investigations into supply chains that may be circumventing tariffs by relocating production, leaving organizations unsure about necessary adjustments. As a practical example, the uncertainty surrounding these measures complicates risk assessment and decision-making processes within enterprises.

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