In this piece, we break down how companies are navigating new tariff deadlines to avoid upcharge and strategic takeaways for business leaders moving forward. 

Tariffs are rapidly influencing today’s economic landscape, and it’s important to monitor newly set deadlines as they emerge. The Trump administration recently pushed back the expiration of the 90-day pause on tariffs announced April 2, and enforcement is now set to begin on August 1.  

In preparation for these changes, President Trump sent letters to over 20 trade partners outlining tariff rates on imports. So far, trade deals have been reached with four countries: the UK, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Additional areas to watch include the 50% tariff on copper imports to be implemented on August 1 and tariffs on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. 

Because tariff policies are rapidly shifting, logistics disruptions and infrastructure limitations are causing a cascade of supply chain difficulties. Fluctuating surges and crashes in port activity make it difficult to accurately forecast demand, leading to supply and cost discrepancies.  

In response to new tariff deadlines, many companies are rushing to import goods before tariffs hit, causing port activity to spike. At the same time, other firms are finding innovative ways to mitigate or sidestep tariffs entirely.  

U.S. Port Activity – Surge Impacts and Effects 

Port activity across the U.S. is displaying the tariff whipsaw effect, with current spikes at numerous major ports. The Port of Los Angeles experienced the busiest June in its 117-year history, handling 8% more units than June 2024. This surge directly follows a cargo slump in May, where a 26% month-over-month decline led Long Beach Port officials to predict the rebound in late June. On the East Coast, the Port of New York and New Jersey claimed the title of busiest U.S. port in May. 

These rapid shifts in factory order volumes make it challenging to invest, and large carriers are holding off on new truck and trailer orders due to demand uncertainty. Overlapping tariffs on countries and goods are also causing a rise in shipping expenses, and adjustments in sourcing and shipping routes are becoming crucial. To reduce risks surrounding delivery timelines, shippers are considering transload, cross-dock and one-way trucking options to avoid congestion issues. 

Amid the rush to accelerate orders, companies like Levi Strauss are strategically planning ahead, having brought in 60% of U.S. inventory needed for the second half of the year. Meanwhile, home fragrance company Outdoor Fellow used Amazon Prime Day discounts to sell inventory that the company stocked up before tariffs went into effect. 

Corporate Playbook – Sidestepping Tariffs 

To sidestep tariffs, companies are increasingly finding creative ways to redesign products and shift manufacturing operations. For instance, Delta Airlines has been removing engines from new Airbus SE jets in Europe and using them to power US planes and avoid aircraft import tariffs. 

Consumer products companies, such as Abacus Brands Inc., are also exploring cost-cutting options to absorb financial pressures. In April, they announced they are using slightly thinner paper in its project books to prevent a $10 retail price increase. 

In addition to product design tweaks, firms are addressing sourcing concerns by relocating production to third-party countries or back into the U.S. One of the first to make waves with this decision was Apple, which aims to shift the majority of iPhone production for the US market to India by the end of 2026. Canadian bike wheel manufacturer NOBL Wheels used a similar tactic but decided to open a manufacturing and distribution center in Bellingham, Washington to ensure tariff-free shipping. 

Strategic Takeaways for Business Leaders with New Tariffs

As new tariffs continue to emerge, proactive trade scenario planning is crucial to address supply chain disruptions. Integrated data tools enable organizations to identify high-risk SKUs and automate sourcing decisions.  

Even with this technology, it’s difficult to account for all stakeholders and risks involved, so AI is proving useful for real-time updates. Predictive modeling utilizes AI-generated scenarios to optimize inventory and fine-tune pricing approaches ahead of time. The ability to simulate multiple trade scenarios at once is critical for businesses to stay competitive, especially as tariffs reach new heights. 

While navigating economic uncertainty, it’s also necessary to prioritize collaboration between logistics, finance, legal, and procurement teams. These departments must be aligned as companies move forward with new initiatives to optimize costs and drive growth. 

Looking Ahead: Navigating New Tariff Deadlines 

In order to adapt to new tariff deadlines, companies will need to build agility, transparency, and adaptability into every layer of their supply chain. Ports may be first to experience impacts from the shifting economic landscape, but the most critical actions take place in the boardroom and unfold across the entire supply chain. As tariff deadlines continue to shift, strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration are crucial for business decision-making. To continue the conversation, contact Clarkston’s experts today. 

Contributions from Hannah Yang