Tariff Mitigation Strategies: Acting Decisively Amid Uncertainty

The Shockwave of Impact

President Trump’s push to rebalance global trade rules has unleashed more than policy shifts—it has set off a storm of disruption across international commerce, global supply chains, and financial markets.

This disruption isn’t just about tariffs. It’s about unpredictability.

Rather than moving through a clear legislative path, the administration is deploying tariffs by executive order—orders that can change overnight. And they have. In the span of days, entire countries are added or removed, product lists rewritten, and timelines reset. What was true yesterday may be obsolete today.

During Trump’s first term, the focus was sharp: China. That gave companies time to pivot, adapt, and relocate production to places like Vietnam, Taiwan, Mexico, or Eastern Europe. But this time? The tariffs are broader, harsher, and far less predictable. Businesses are flying blind—and the stakes are higher.

The Paralysis of Uncertainty

Many companies are hitting pause, waiting for clarity. But this moment is no time for hesitation. Inaction now isn’t neutral—it’s a risk.

While competitors hesitate, forward-thinking leaders will move decisively.

What You Can — and Should — Do Now

Short-Term Tactical Moves

Renegotiate with Suppliers: Use tariffs as leverage. Push for price concessions or demand suppliers absorb some of the added costs. Every percentage point counts.

Explore New Suppliers: Long-term relationships matter—but so does cost. Sourcing from lower-tariff regions may reveal aggressive new players offering better all-in pricing.

Rethink Product Configurations: Trim or separate tariff-heavy components—like batteries or power supplies—from the main product. Sell them as accessories to lower your exposure.

Pass Through Costs (Carefully): If necessary, raise prices. Customers understand what’s happening. But communicate value and transparency to preserve trust.

Long-Term Strategic Levers

Diversify the Supply Chain: Don’t scramble with every shift. Restructuring a supply chain requires careful planning and many months to fully transition.  Due to the lack of predictability and frequent changes, trying to move production around the world as a mitigation strategy will not likely be effective.  Build flexibility into your model.  Dual sourcing from more than a single region can act as a shock absorber when policy jolts hit.

Onshore Select Manufacturing: Yes, it may cost more. But onshoring brings control, stability, and speed to market—along with proximity to customers and engineering teams.

Double Down on AI and Automation: This is more than a cost play.  Well-placed automation can improve workflow productivity, quality and reliability — turning disruption into a launchpad for competitive advantage.

Why Now Matters

Tariffs won’t wait. Policy may shift again tomorrow. The question is: will your business be ready—or be reacting?

Leaders who act now will find themselves ahead of the curve—and their competitors.

New Port Partners has significant experience developing and implementing custom plans to help clients mitigate the impact of tariffs for their specific business.  Reach out to us today at info@newportpartnersgroup.com to learn how we can help you.