Call for proactivity in face of Trump tariff turmoil

ACI Group has urged businesses to adopt a proactive approach to the supply chain challenges posed by US President Donald Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs.

The announcement of the tariffs, which consist of a minimum of a 10% levy on virtually all goods entering the US, left the global economy reeling. The new tariffs will be added on top of any already in place, meaning key manufacturing hubs such as China now face total levies of over 50%. Goods from the UK will face an additional 10% tariff.

“Wait and see isn’t really an option anymore,” said Karsten Smet, CEO of the distributor and supply chain expert. “The US is the fulcrum of global trade, it owns the world’s currency reserve, and it has essentially turned millions of supply chain routes into toll roads. This is a significant realignment of the global economy and businesses have to be proactive in building new contingencies. In an unpredictable climate, the most successful businesses will be the ones with the most robust, flexible supply chains.

“My view is that the most damaging aspect of all this is the uncertainty. Trump has made it clear that these tariffs are subject to change depending on the outcome of trade negotiations, so they could be cancelled or revised up or down in a matter of days. Contingency plans like new supply chain routes and using double or triple sourcing are no longer just nice-to-have, they’re essential.”

ACI is known for its vast portfolio of materials and ingredients for a range of industries including food and manufacturing. Its supply chain manager software ensures it has the ability to react quickly to market conditions, and Smet argued that businesses must be equally agile in the face of an unprecedented economic event.

“The consensus is that the UK has gotten off lightly with ‘only’ 10% tariffs, and select industries like pharma are exempt, but it’s a bit like being slapped in the face rather than kicked in the nether regions – we’d still be better off without it. Taken in the round, the shockwaves this will send through global supply chain, the volatility it has created in the dollar, and the threat of retaliation are all harmful to British businesses looking to trade internationally, especially SMEs.

“It’s important to move quickly and carefully when navigating these choppy waters. Businesses cannot afford to leave their fates in the hands of government trade negotiators given the many complexities at play. We are actively modelling scenarios and building new contingencies to support our customers through these challenges, and I would encourage any business to take the same proactive approach.”

Related content