Originally published on Distribution Strategy Group on April 24, 2025
The uncertainty created by the Trump administration’s tariff policies have led many distributors to adopt “a war room-like mentality,” says consultant Barry Litwin, former CEO of distributor Global Industrial Co. “They’re getting together in meeting rooms, with product, supply chain, marketing and C-level executives all sitting around. After they’ve assessed impact of tariffs, they’re figuring out how they’re going to mitigate that, and how much can pass on to customers while still maintaining competitiveness.”
Short-term strategies include keeping in close touch with suppliers to stay on top of price changes, negotiating with customers on price, and in some cases, canceling orders now subject to tariffs or rerouting shipments away from U.S. ports to avoid paying duties.
Leave a reply