Tariffs in 2025: What Manufacturers and Distributors Need to Know

For manufacturers and distributors navigating today’s global economy, tariffs are front and center—impacting procurement, pricing, supplier relations, and strategic planning. Whether you're sourcing raw materials like copper and steel or distributing finished goods across borders, understanding tariffs and their implications is now a business-critical skill.

This blog explores the latest developments on tariffs, their broader role in industrial policy, and what manufacturers and distributors need to do to adapt.

The Modern Tariff Landscape

In recent years, tariffs have been used with increasing frequency and scope. Various mechanisms—such as Section 301 tariffs targeting Chinese goods, Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum, and those enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)—have added complexity and cost to the supply chain.

Many of these tariffs are layered, meaning products may be subject to multiple duties depending on their origin and composition. For example, a product imported from China could face a 25% Section 301 tariff and an additional 20% under IEEPA. If it contains steel or aluminum, further Section 232 tariffs may apply. The result is that some imports now carry cumulative tariffs as high as 70%.

This has created significant challenges across industries, especially for those with global supplier networks or cross-border distribution models.

Planning for Manufacturers

Manufacturers face some of the most direct impacts from tariffs, especially when sourcing raw materials such as aluminum, copper, or semiconductors. Domestic alternatives are limited in many cases, forcing companies to either absorb tariff costs or seek out exemptions—which are not always granted and can take months to process.  

When sourcing inputs that are likely to be impacted, businesses are advised to start early. Identifying at-risk materials and diversifying suppliers can reduce vulnerability. In some cases, switching to suppliers in countries with more favorable trade agreements may offer partial relief.

Where domestic supply is available, early contracts are key. As tariffs take effect, demand for domestic alternatives surges—leading to price increases, supply allocation limits, and potential shortages. Locking in pricing and volume in advance can create a competitive advantage.

Strategic Considerations for Distributors

Distributors often operate at the intersection of manufacturers and end customers, and their challenges reflect that dual role. When tariffs raise import costs, distributors must decide whether to absorb those increases or pass them on.

This becomes especially difficult when pricing agreements or rebate programs are already in place. To maintain customer loyalty in such environments, distributors can consider rebate strategies that build long-term value. Rather than offering immediate savings, these programs can accumulate rewards over time, creating an incentive for customers to stay—even when pricing becomes volatile.

Another critical area is transparency. Linking price changes directly to tariff events makes it easier to justify increases to customers. This not only strengthens trust but also helps customers prepare for changes, avoiding surprises.

Contract Flexibility and Procurement Strategy

Procurement and contract design are increasingly important tools for managing tariff risks. Rigid, long-term pricing models can expose businesses to sudden losses when tariffs rise. Flexible contracts that include tariff clauses or price-adjustment mechanisms provide necessary agility.

Businesses should also be cautious with cross-border rebate programs. When rebates retroactively reduce the cost of goods, they can inadvertently create complications around tariff reporting and compliance. Structuring agreements to avoid retroactive pricing changes on internationally traded goods helps reduce exposure to legal and tax issues.

Additionally, procurement professionals are urged to work more closely with finance and sales teams than ever before. Understanding both input costs and revenue expectations is vital for managing the business impact of rapid price changes. This is particularly true for products with large price variability or long production cycles.

The Broader Pricing Ripple Effect

Tariffs affect more than just the direct cost of imports. When tariffs are imposed, domestic suppliers often raise their prices in response—particularly in markets with limited competition. This causes a ripple effect throughout the supply chain.

Distributors must be prepared to address questions from customers who see domestic pricing rise despite purchasing locally sourced goods. Similarly, manufacturers that rely on tariffed inputs must manage the optics of passing along those increases, even when they are sourcing domestically.

This reinforces the importance of linking price changes to objective factors like tariff updates or official trade policy announcements. It helps differentiate necessary adjustments from opportunistic price increases.

Global Rebalancing and Trade Shifts

Tariff activity in one region often triggers ripple effects worldwide. As tariffs disrupt trade between major economies, other countries respond—either with reciprocal tariffs or by seeking new trade agreements.

For example, changes in U.S. policy have led to retaliation from Canada, Mexico, and the European Union. Other regions are reconsidering their reliance on U.S. markets, diversifying supply chains and forging new alliances to reduce exposure.

Manufacturers and distributors that operate internationally need to monitor these developments closely. Countries that were previously reliable suppliers may become less stable if caught in the crossfire of broader trade disputes. Alternatively, countries with broad trade agreements and stable tariff environments—such as Japan, South Korea, or Mexico—may offer more secure sourcing options in the near term.

Best Practices for Mitigating Tariff Risks

Across industries, businesses are being encouraged to embed tariff planning into their core strategy. This includes:

• Mapping supply chains: Understand where all key inputs come from and assess their tariff exposure.

• Contract adaptability: Build in clauses that allow for price changes when tariffs change.

• Supplier diversification: Avoid overreliance on any one region, especially those prone to policy shifts.

• Customer alignment: Communicate openly about pricing changes and use data to justify cost adjustments.

• Rebate design: Use loyalty programs to protect long-term relationships, particularly when short-term pricing is unstable.

• Cross-functional coordination: Align procurement, finance, legal, and sales teams to ensure consistent messaging and planning.

Agility and Partnership is Critical

For manufacturers and distributors alike, tariffs represent both a challenge and an opportunity. While they create cost pressure and uncertainty, they also reward businesses that plan ahead, act quickly, and collaborate effectively.

Those that treat their supply chain partners as allies—sharing data, aligning expectations, and co-developing strategies—will be better positioned to weather disruptions. In this evolving landscape, adaptability is not just an advantage—it's a necessity.

As global trade continues to shift and tariff policies evolve, staying informed and agile will be essential to long-term success. Whether it’s sourcing, pricing, or building customer loyalty, the businesses that embrace proactive strategies will be those that thrive.

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