After duties on $200 billion in Chinese goods jumped from 10% to 25% earlier this month, businesses barely had time to blink before receiving news of yet another tranche of tariffs. These duties would cover $325 billion in goods, hitting the price-sensitive apparel sector particularly hard and taking a significant bite out of business’ bottom lines.

While no timelines are available yet for the new tariffs, NRF is expecting “unusually high” import levels in the coming months as shippers scramble to beat the duties. In its latest Port Tracker report, the organization estimated that TEUs would hit 1.9 million in May – the first time ever TEUs have risen to that level before July. That surge in shipments could lead to another chaotic peak season and higher prices for shippers, who are already paying 20% higher ocean contract rates than last year.

Some businesses may also turn to more expensive airfreight to get high-profit merchandise like electronics into the country faster. And once goods cross the border, tight warehouse capacity on the West Coast could push up prices as well, creating additional supply chain pain. For businesses grappling with these issues, a focus on optimization is increasingly critical. Here’s how combining a technology-enabled supply chain with the right logistics expertise can help deliver ROI that carries you through whatever comes next.

Find cost-effective capacity. With ocean spot rates already 40% higher than they were a year ago, sourcing affordable spot capacity to beat impending tariffs is likely to be a challenge once again during peak season. A centralized supply chain platform makes it easier to compare carriers and routes to find the most cost-effective solution, while an experienced supply chain partner with a deep logistics network can give you extra leverage in negotiations.
Shift your sourcing. As the cost of doing business in China continues to climb, many of AGL’s own customers are weighing the pros and cons of moving to neighboring countries. A supply chain platform that offers an end-to-end view, from production to final destination, lets your business compare suppliers and make the right choice based on production and logistics costs, vendor reliability, and more.
Check your classifications. For businesses that haven’t reviewed their classifications recently, the latest round of tariffs is a good reminder to keep current. A centralized platform makes it easier to review classifications in one spot to avoid penalties and identify opportunities to substitute products not subject to duties, if possible. A partner with customs expertise can help find additional ways to save time and resources, such as improving auditing procedures.
Automate routine activities. A more efficient supply chain starts with understanding all the touchpoints across your operations and seeing where there’s room for improvement. By managing every shipment in a single platform, you can uncover those efficiencies more easily. Technology that enables management by exception, rather than reviewing every single shipment, can also free up significant time for large global importers.
React faster to disruptions. Supply chain disruptions are inevitable, but being able to make adjustments on the fly can help keep issues from ballooning into disasters. For example, when faced with fast-approaching tariffs, a technology-driven supply chain can help you decide whether shipping via airfreight or paying additional duties will ultimately be less costly.
As shippers prepare for more tariffs and a potentially wild peak season, investing in effective tools, people and processes can help offset the impact to their operations and their bottom lines.