Preparing for Trade Disruptions

A C-Suite Quick Take

The re-election of Donald Trump signals a significant shift in the global trade landscape. As businesses brace for potential changes, one thing is clear: the next four years will likely bring unprecedented disruption, particularly for firms with extensive operations footprints in North America.

One of the most immediate threats is the potential implementation of steep tariffs. President-elect Trump recently floated the idea of imposing 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico starting on Inauguration Day. If these tariffs materialize, the impact on businesses optimized for the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) framework could be seismic; ironically, imports from Europe or Asia could gain.

Trade disruptions of this scale would ripple through industries, especially the automotive sector, where cross-border supply chains are integral to operations. Components routinely cross borders multiple times before a vehicle reaches the showroom floor. In this context, companies must prepare not only for immediate challenges but also for long-term changes that could reshape the North American trade environment.

The Need for Pre-emptive Action

While it is still uncertain when or which tariffs will be increased or for how long, the time to act is now. Waiting for clarity risks leaving your organization unprepared for rapid changes. Instead, implementing "no-regret moves"—strategies that protect the company regardless of the specific outcomes—is a prudent course of action.

Here are five strategic actions to help your organization navigate the storm ahead:

1. Establish a "Hub-and-Spoke" Cross-Functional Crisis Team

Trade wars are inherently volatile and unpredictable. To respond effectively, companies need a centralized crisis team with cross-functional representation and a single empowered leader.

This team should have direct access to the C-suite and the authority to implement decisions across functions, from purchasing and manufacturing to finance and marketing. The goal is to ensure swift, coordinated responses to rapidly evolving scenarios. The team should meet regularly, adapt to new information, and communicate key decisions throughout the organization.

2. Use Scenario Wargaming

The uncertainty surrounding trade policies calls for rigorous scenario planning. By exploring a range of potential outcomes, companies can stress-test their strategies and develop contingency plans for the most likely scenarios.

This exercise should not be a one-time effort. As new information emerges and the geopolitical landscape evolves, wargaming sessions should be revisited to refine strategies and ensure readiness.

3. Accelerate and Protect Short-Term Production and Shipping

Should tariffs be announced suddenly, the logistics landscape will change overnight. Border crossings may face unprecedented delays as companies rush to move goods before new policies take effect. Indeed, land crossings may become difficult as Inauguration Day approachs.

To mitigate this risk, businesses should explore ways to accelerate production and shipping in the short term. Consider pulling shipments forward and securing additional warehouse space to store inventory. Proactively diversifying transportation methods—such as rail and short-sea shipping and air freight—can also help safeguard critical shipments.

4. Communicate Impacts Proactively

Tariffs don’t just disrupt supply chains—they can also hurt jobs, drive up costs, and damage relationships with key stakeholders. Companies should proactively communicate these potential impacts to policymakers, industry groups, unions, and the public.

By highlighting the broader economic consequences, businesses can help shape the narrative around tariffs and potentially influence policy decisions. While this may not prevent initial measures, it could shorten their duration or soften their impact.

5. Conserve Cash and Revisit Footprint Decisions

Disruptions from tariffs may force plant shutdowns, reduce production capacity, or even push economies into recession. To weather these challenges, companies must focus on cash conservation and liquidity management.

Additionally, the long-term trade environment is likely to look very different from today. Companies should revisit their sourcing and footprint decisions, taking into account higher cross-border costs and potential shifts in trade agreements. A more localized approach to production and supply chains may become a competitive advantage.

Beyond Immediate Impacts

President-elect Trump values tariffs for several reasons. He sees them as a way to bring jobs back to the U.S. and protect American businesses from unfair competition. He also considers them a valuable source of government revenue and a tool for advancing economic and foreign policy objectives, such as border security. Tariff increases and threats, both in the U.S. and abroad, are likely to remain key features of his Administration.

However, the Biden Administration also adopted protectionist measures, signaling that this approach extends beyond party lines. Businesses must recognize these changes as part of a broader trend that could redefine the rules of the game for years to come.

While this environment presents significant challenges, it also creates opportunities for agile companies to gain a competitive edge. Firms that act decisively, anticipate disruptions, and adapt their strategies to the new trade reality will be better positioned to thrive in the long term.