By Estefanía Sisatzky, EVP of Operations & Customer Experience at Aerodoc
Lately, our phones at Aerodoc have been ringing non-stop. Clients are concerned, asking: “How will these new tariffs impact our supply chains?” “Should we reroute shipments?” “Is this the start of a trade war?”
It’s completely understandable. When policies shift overnight, it’s natural to feel uneasy. But here’s the good news: this isn’t the first time global trade has faced challenges, and it won’t be the last. With the right strategies, businesses can adapt and even find new opportunities in these changes. Let’s break it down.
What’s happening with the new tariffs?
On February 1, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order imposing new tariffs:
- 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico
- 10% on imports from China
- A lower 10% tariff on Canadian energy exports
While the China tariffs went into effect immediately, Canada and Mexico secured a one-month delay until March 4, 2025. This gives businesses a short window to reassess their strategies.
The official reason? Protecting US jobs, curbing illegal immigration, and fighting drug trafficking. But for businesses moving goods across borders, the reality is clear: costs are rising, and supply chains need to be re-evaluated.
Rethink your supply chain before reacting
The knee-jerk reaction to new tariffs is often panic. But take a deep breath—there are options.
Step 1: Do a full impact assessment
Before making big changes, calculate how these tariffs will truly affect your costs. Not every product is hit the same way, and sometimes the headlines make things sound worse than they are.
Step 2: Explore alternative sourcing
Consider shifting production or suppliers to countries outside of Canada, Mexico, and China. Vietnam, India, and Brazil have been growing as key players in manufacturing.
Step 3: Use tariff exemptions & trade zones
Certain goods might qualify for exemptions or could be moved through Free Trade Zones (FTZs) to defer duty payments.
The goal is not just to react—but to react smartly.
Bonded warehouse operations: a hidden advantage
One strategy that many companies overlook is using bonded warehouse operations—something we specialize in at Aerodoc.
A bonded warehouse is a secure facility where imported goods can be stored without paying customs duties upfront. These duties are only applied when the goods enter the U.S. market. But if the goods are re-exported to another country, duties can be avoided entirely.
How does this help?
Say a European vendor ships goods to the U.S., but their final destinations are Argentina, Colombia and Mexico. Instead of paying U.S. tariffs, they store the goods in a bonded warehouse, consolidate shipments, and send them to their final destinations. No U.S. import taxes.
This strategy is particularly useful now that tariffs have made direct shipping from China, Canada, or Mexico to the US more expensive.
Companies that think outside the box—using the U.S. as a logistics hub instead of a final destination—can significantly cut costs and avoid unnecessary duties.
Optimizing Supply Chains Through Warehousing Services
The introduction of new tariffs forces companies to reevaluate and adapt their logistics strategies to maintain efficiency and profitability. One effective tactic is leveraging warehousing services, which offer flexible solutions tailored to specific business needs.
Benefits of Warehouse Services in the Current Market:
- Strategic Storage Locations: Warehouses in key locations allow companies to position their products closer to target markets, reducing delivery times and transportation costs.
- Efficient Inventory Management: Advanced Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) optimize inventory control and turnover, minimizing stock shortages or overages.
- Flexibility and Scalability: Warehouse services provide adaptable space and resources based on demand, enabling businesses to adjust to market fluctuations without significant infrastructure investments.
- Regulatory and Customs Compliance: Logistics providers often have expertise in managing customs procedures and local regulations, helping businesses ensure compliance and reduce risks of delays or penalties.
By integrating warehousing services into their logistics strategy, companies
Don’t believe the hype. Not every change of tariff will impact you.
One thing we tell every client: don’t panic over sensationalist headlines.
Yes, these tariffs are disruptive. But no, they won’t suddenly shut down global trade.
Many times, when a new tariff is announced, the media makes it sound like the sky is falling. In reality, businesses have time to adjust, exemptions exist, and alternative routes can be found.
So, before making drastic decisions, consider:
- Reviewing the full tariff details—your product might be exempt
- Storing goods in a warehouse while assessing options
- Rerouting shipments through other trade-friendly countries
- Consulting with a logistics expert to find the most cost-efficient alternative
Logistics is all about strategy, not reaction. Those who take the time to plan will come out ahead.
Stay agile, stay informed.
If history has taught us anything, it’s that trade policies change constantly. Today, it’s tariffs. Tomorrow, it could be new trade agreements, tax incentives, or supply chain regulations.
The companies that succeed are the ones that stay informed, stay flexible, and surround themselves with the right logistics partners.
At Aerodoc, we’ve been through these challenges before, and we’ll continue to guide businesses through them now. Whether it’s leveraging bonded operations, exploring alternative trade routes, or simply helping you cut through the noise—we’re here to help.
If you have questions about how these new tariffs might impact your supply chain, let’s talk.
Estefanía Sisatzky
EVP of Operations & Customer Experience at Aerodoc | Global Logistics Experts in DDP with IOR
