18 WAYS to Break Through Global Supply Chain Complexity
1. Develop Decision Muscle. Decision-making in supply chain organizations has often been siloed and focused on time, cost, and resources. Now, risk is also a consideration, says Eugene Laney, president and CEO of the American Association of Exporters and Importers. Managing risk requires tapping the insight of experts across multiple departments, such as compliance, finance, legal, and government affairs. Together, these experts can highlight risks and opportunities to assess when and how to adjust supply chains and leverage technology to move products around the globe securely and efficiently—a capability Laney has heard called “decision muscle.” 2. Align Supply Chain and Corporate Strategy. To operate efficiently, meet customer expectations, and fully leverage technology solutions and partners, shippers need a clear and consistent supply chain strategy that aligns with the overall corporate strategy and is applied across the organization. “This creates a common framework for decision-making and helps ensure that technology, network design, and partner selection pull in the same direction,” says Matthias Hodel, global head, customer development, integrated logistics, with Kuehne + Nagel. 3. Leverage Logistics Providers. Logistics providers have become critical strategic partners in helping companies navigate global complexity, says Chris McCarney, consulting leader, supply chain and procurement with KPMG US. Along with moving freight, leading providers offer end-to-end services, such as multimodal optimization, customs compliance support, and real-time visibility platforms to help shippers monitor shipments and adjust routing quickly. Many providers also offer tools such as scenario modeling, AI-powered forecasting, and digital control towers that can help shippers evaluate tariff exposure, compare routing options, and
Building strong relationships is key to leveraging logistics providers who can help shippers stay resilient in a complex global supply chain.
different tariff code may be appropriate and legal for a product, and lead to a lower tariff, says Doug Sampson, chief commercial officer of Acme Distribution Centers. Shifting trade routes can also cut tariff costs. For example, establishing a different country of origin and shipping goods from Taiwan or China into Canada and then into the United States, may be a legal way to reduce the tariff rate, Sampson says. Any additional transportation costs and duties would need to be factored into the calculation. And, the changes need to be structured so they comply with all relevant regulations. 7. Keep an Open Mind. To rein in tariff costs, some companies are considering steps they might not have considered before, such as using foreign trade zones (FTZs). This can require
anticipate disruptions before they hit, McCarney adds. These capabilities can boost agility and resilience. Logistics providers can also assist with compliance awareness. For instance, they can help identify Incoterms that may be able to mitigate some tariff impacts. 4. Build Strong Relationships with Your Providers. To leverage the capabilities and solutions that logistics providers can offer, shippers need to develop strong relationships with them. A key step is sharing accurate, real-time data—such as forecasts, inventory information, and compliance documentation—from across the shipper’s networks, McCarney says. With this information, logistics partners are better able to operate proactively. 5. Maintain Areas of Differentiation In-House. While it often makes sense to partner with logistics providers, shippers can also identify internal capabilities. Then, they can determine the appropriate level of collaboration and outsourcing, Hodel says. The goal is to focus in-house resources on areas of differentiation, and then to leverage external partners where they can add the most value. 6. Pay Attention to Details. Regularly reviewing the Harmonized Tariff Codes (HTCs) a company is using can pay off (see sidebar) . At times, a
some upfront work. For example, a company may need to bring in
components or material goods under one tariff code that’s legal and duty free, assemble the products, and then exit the FTZ under a different, but lower tariff. Again, the transactions need to be appropriately structured. 8. Invest in Technology Now. Artificial intelligence (AI) solutions are already helping some organizations better manage their supply chains, even though the technology isn’t as mature
26 Inbound Logistics • March 2026
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