How to Operate an Agile and Resilient Supply Chain Amid Tariffs

Understanding the Impact of Tariffs on Supply Chains

As global tariff policies shift in 2025, supply chains are once again being tested. Yet, for many in the industry, operational disruptions are nothing new. From pandemics and port delays to geopolitical tensions and extreme weather, the last decade has redefined what it means to be resilient.

At Gebrüder Weiss, we’ve helped customers navigate each of these turning points. Our global logistics network, paired with local expertise and proactive planning, enables us to keep supply chains running smoothly—even as new challenges emerge. In today’s environment of unpredictable trade policy and retaliatory tariffs, our focus on agility and resiliency helps businesses reduce risk, maintain performance, and strengthen their competitive edge.

Start with the big picture - tariffs are one of many global forces impacting supply chains 

Supply chain organizations were already seeking ways to increase resiliency prior to the U.S. Presidential election. According to Capgemini Research in 2022, 92 percent of organizations said changes to the global supply chain were impacting them, but only 15 percent felt well-equipped to handle the changes. 

Even with tariffs taking the primary focus, supply chain leaders can build and maintain efficient logistical operations by considering all factors. This big-picture view ensures that one solution doesn't come at the expense of another. 

Global Impacts on Supply Chains 

• Geopolitical Impacts: Protectionist trade policies and reduced international engagement (e.g., USAID cuts, Paris Agreement withdrawal)
• AI & Automation: Growing use of AI for optimization, forecasting, and real-time decisions
• Sustainability Focus: Continued emphasis on ESG compliance, ethical sourcing, and green practices
• Technological Integration: Advanced data tracking, internet-of-things sensors, and innovative logistics solutions are being widely implemented
• Talent Challenges: Ongoing labor shortages, especially in digital and tech roles
• E-commerce Growth: Rising demand reshaping supply chain models and delivery expectations
• Energy Transition: Focus on renewables and resilient energy infrastructure

Understand the characteristics of an agile and resilient supply chain 

While agility focuses on quick adaptation, resilience ensures long-term stability and risk mitigation. A truly future-proof supply chain needs both. 

Agility means businesses can shift suppliers or adjust inventory levels in response to sudden tariff changes. An agile supply chain allows companies to react quickly to changes in demand, sourcing, and logistics while maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness through: 

• The ability to swiftly adjust procurement and transportation strategies.
• Access to real-time data and predictive analytics for proactive decision-making.
• Flexible inventory and warehousing solutions to handle demand fluctuations. 

Resilience involves building robust, diversified supplier and logistics networks to withstand ongoing disruptions. A resilient supply chain has a foundation strong enough to withstand unexpected events and unpredictable economic factors through: 

• Longstanding relationships with global networks
• Proactive and dedicated customer service
• Extensive experience and a proven track record of success regardless of external circumstances. 

Many companies still operate under rigid, cost-focused supply chain models that are not built to handle rapid changes. Globally, companies realized during the pandemic that they were over-reliant on a single supplier or manufacturing location, and they are facing the same realization in this era of tariffs. 

Resilience is crucial for sustaining operations during crises and ensuring business continuity amid global uncertainties. 

Strategies to Strengthen Supply Chain Agility and Resilience

Diversifying Supplier Networks to Reduce Risk

A key strategy to minimizing tariff impact is supplier diversification. Many companies are adopting a China Plus One strategy—moving production beyond China into countries like Mexico, Vietnam, and India. This approach reduces dependency on a single region and mitigates supply chain vulnerabilities.

Leveraging Technology and Real-Time Data for Better Decision-Making

Advanced supply chain visibility platforms like TURVO, provide real-time tracking and predictive insights, helping businesses optimize freight movements, reduce delays, and proactively manage risks.

Nearshoring and Reshoring: Reducing Dependency on Global Suppliers

More companies are shifting to nearshoring and reshoring to avoid tariff risks while improving supply chain efficiency.

• Nearshoring (moving production closer to North America) shortens transit times and reduces geopolitical risks.
• Reshoring brings production back to domestic markets, enhancing supply security while reducing overseas logistics costs.

Enhancing Inventory Management with Demand Forecasting

Balancing just-in-time inventory with strategic safety stock is crucial in a high-tariff environment. Companies using AI-powered demand forecasting tools can optimize stock levels, preventing overages and shortages.

How Gebrüder Weiss maintains both agility and resiliency

Our supply chain framework is built on three principles: anticipate, respond, and recover. This framework has enabled us to keep our clients' supply chains operating smoothly despite industry disruptions: 

Anticipate

• Proactive risk assessment and scenario planning​
• Continuous monitoring of potential disruptions​
• Investment in predictive analytics and early warning systems​

Respond 

• Flexible operational processes and infrastructure​
• Diversified supplier base and sourcing strategies​
• Agile decision-making protocols and cross-functional teams​

Recover 

• Robust crisis management and response plans​
• Quick mobilization of resources and alternative solutions​
• Strategic assessment on ways to further future-proof the supply chain 

Customized Solutions: A Case Study in Agility and Resilience 

One of our clients, a global vehicle component manufacturer, was working with us in Europe. They reached out to expand our relationship because they faced challenges in cross-border logistics at the U.S./Mexico border. 

The client faced a series of challenges with their former 3PL partner, including a lack of established lead times for southbound raw material shipments and an inability to provide reliable timelines to major manufacturing customers. They also felt the supplier lacked experience in cross-border operations and prioritized shipment on their timetable, not the client's timetable, causing reputational and monetary losses. 

• Anticipate: Gebrüder Weiss predicted the shift to nearshoring and already had an active location in El Paso, Texas, with infrastructure and a skilled team.
• Respond: We created a custom solution for the client and developed a 16,200-square-foot Laredo warehouse to suit their needs. It's Hazmat-certified, has a cross-dock facility for northbound and southbound cargo, has bonded and general cargo handling, includes customs brokerage services, and handles 4,000+ cross-docked loads annually.
• Recover: The client was assigned a single point of contact to ensure personalized service and proactive issue resolution. Although this was a custom solution, we assessed their needs to see how they may apply to other clients. 

As a result of this agility and resiliency, we reduced our client's cross-dock wait times from several days to a few hours, improved shipment reliability with zero overages or shortages attributed to Gebrüder Weiss, and implemented meticulous recordkeeping on our client's behalf. These efforts yielded significant cost reductions due to improved shipment reliability, shorter lead times, and overall enhanced supply chain performance. 

The Path Forward 

The supply chain has been tested time and time again. Supply chain leaders can chart a smooth path forward – even amid tariffs – by balancing proactive planning with enough room to adjust quickly, reducing over-reliance on single suppliers or regions, and laying out strategies to anticipate, respond, recover – and move forward. 

Are you ready to create a more resilient and agile supply chain?