Trump's Tariffs: What Data Leaders Need to Know and Do Now
The recent implementation of Trump's tariffs has created a ripple effect across global supply chains, forcing companies to reassess their operations, pricing strategies, and market approaches. As the founder of Calon Analytics, I've been tracking these developments closely and advising data leaders on how to position themselves as crucial problem-solvers during this period of uncertainty.
Understanding the Basics: What Are Tariffs?
Tariffs and duties are essentially taxes applied by governments on imported goods. They make foreign products more expensive and less competitive compared to domestic alternatives. The current situation has seen the US imposing significant tariffs globally:
US tariffs on Chinese goods have reached 145%
China has responded with 125% tariffs on US goods
A 90-day pause is in effect for other nation-of-origin reciprocal tariffs
25% tariffs remain on automobiles, steel, and aluminum
Business Impact: The Immediate Response
Companies are already taking dramatic steps in response:
Pausing shipments to affected markets
Facing potentially life-threatening cost impacts (especially for smaller businesses)
Slashing growth forecasts
Rearranging supply chains to mitigate tariff exposure
Experiencing market volatility and unpredictability
The Data Leader's Opportunity
If you're a data leader, the 90-day pause presents a critical window of opportunity. While finance departments might have handled an immediate implementation, this pause puts you in a position to demonstrate strategic value across the organization.
Key Stakeholders You Need to Engage
As a data leader, your first action should be connecting with:
The CFO and FP&A Teams: To support revenue, margin, and liquidity modeling
Supply Chain Leadership: To analyze manufacturing footprint, supplier risks, and inventory impacts
Tax and Customs Teams: To ensure compliance and minimize financial impact
Product Management: To verify product origin data and explore alternative materials
Critical Data Elements to Master
Success in navigating this situation hinges on having accurate data about:
HTS classification codes for all products
Country of origin information for finished goods and components
Product engineering specifications and cost data
Change history documentation
Priority Analytics Use Cases
Based on my experience working with global manufacturers, these six analytics initiatives should be your focus:
Revenue, margin, and liquidity modeling with finance
Customer behavior modeling with updated price assumptions
Distribution network analysis and optimization
In-transit inventory risk assessment
Fulfillment cost modeling for new shipping patterns
Manufacturing cost modeling for potential relocation or material changes
Your 90-Day Action Plan
Here's my recommended approach for data leaders wanting to demonstrate immediate value:
Within 24 Hours:
Contact every stakeholder leader (CFO, Supply Chain, Tax, Customs, Product)
Schedule priority meetings, even over the weekend
Assess your current project portfolio for reprioritization opportunities
Within 7 Days:
Identify the 10 highest-priority data initiatives based on stakeholder input
Create high-level business cases for each
Present a unified proposal to your CEO/CFO for approval
Across 90 Days:
Execute a focused sprint on the approved initiatives
Establish regular cross-functional data sharing protocols
Position your team as the central hub for tariff response intelligence
The Bottom Line
In the midst of this trade uncertainty lies an opportunity for data leaders to prove their strategic value. By connecting stakeholders, prioritizing critical data initiatives, and creating a data-driven response to tariffs, you can transform a potential crisis into a demonstration of leadership.
As I often remind my clients: "In the midst of chaos, there's also opportunity." This is your moment to shine as a data leader.
Want to discuss how your organization can build a data-driven response to tariffs? Connect with me on LinkedIn or visit calonanalytics.com for more insights.
