Many executives and managers describe today’s business environment as “tariff Jenga” — where each sourcing decision is a delicate block in a fragile tower, and a single tariff-related policy shift can send the whole structure wobbling. Some companies are paralyzed by the uncertainty; others are racing to redesign supply chains midstream to try to stay competitive.
While business leaders have always had to plan for an unknown future, the current tariff landscape is changing how they must do so. It has exposed challenges that are likely to persist for a very long time, regardless of what happens with political elections, the renegotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and other geopolitical moves.
The rules of the game have changed, and fast-paced volatility is here to stay. However, there’s a significant silver lining. Namely, companies can use this environment as a catalyst to transform into more vigilant and nimble organizations. Business leaders who shift their focus from short-term cost control to long-term resilience may find themselves better positioned for durable growth and competitive advantage.
