While the tariff situation is “fluid,”¹ some seem here to stay²—at least for the moment.

Everyone’s talking about it—Trump imposed tariffs³ on goods and resources from Canada, Mexico, and China. Economists say it’s an all-out trade war⁴, and consumers will feel the brunt of it.

But what about retail suppliers? Since Trump increased (and then reversed) tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50% (now down to 25%⁵), tariffs will affect more than just imported whiskey. We know these tariffs will affect the auto industry⁶, but aluminum cans⁷ are also kind of a big deal. The U.S. imported over 125,000 tons⁸ of plate, sheet, and strip aluminum from Canada last year—most of which is used in can production—valued at over $500 million.

And transportation? With the tariffs on steel, cross-country trucking⁹ is in a freefall, and transportation jobs¹⁰ are down.

So what can retail suppliers do? Optimizing your supply chain can help, as can reducing overhead costs in other areas, such as retail deductions.

Let’s meet to discuss how we can help.