Dun & Bradstreet: Why Data is Crucial for Navigating Tariffs

Tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump and his administration have already sent shockwaves through global supply chains. 

Here, Martin Skeens, Subject Matter Expert in Third Party Risk & Compliance at Dun & Bradstreet, offers insight into how firms can harness the power of data to foresee, prepare for and adapt to tariff-related supply chain disruption.

How can real-time data help businesses manage tariff disruptions? 

Real-time data enables businesses to track tariff changes and their immediate impact on costs, supply chains and sourcing strategies. With the implementation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in 2020, most goods traded between the US, Canada and Mexico remain duty-free, but some commodity-specific tariffs still apply. By leveraging live trade data, businesses can monitor these tariff fluctuations, ensuring compliance and adjusting procurement strategies accordingly.  

Real-time insights also help companies navigate regulatory shifts, such as the USMCA’s increased requirements for North American-made automotive components, allowing them to optimise sourcing and production. Additionally, tracking commodity prices, customs delays and geopolitical developments in real-time enables businesses to mitigate risks and avoid supply chain disruptions. 

Given the uncertainty around tariffs, businesses must remain agile and adaptable. Tariff threats can destabilise global trade dynamics and supply chains without warning, so using actionable data helps companies respond swiftly to changing conditions. Ultimately, real-time data provides businesses with a significant market advantage and maintain resilience. 

What key data should companies track to reduce tariff risks? 

To effectively reduce tariff risks, businesses should closely track multiple data points. Tariff rate updates are critical, as even minor changes can impact cost structures, particularly for commodities like dairy, auto parts and agricultural goods. Country-of-origin data is equally important, as it helps to ensure compliance with sourcing requirements.

Additionally, trade volume trends should be analysed to identify potential bottlenecks in supply chains, which may arise from delayed shipments or new tariffs on critical components. Commodity price fluctuations, especially for industries like oil, agriculture and manufacturing, can indicate tariff-induced inflation risk.

Businesses should also track supply chain resilience metrics, such as supplier performance and lead times to better adapt to policy changes and avoid disruptions. By leveraging this data effectively, companies can stay proactive in managing tariff-related risks. 

How are tariffs already impacting North American trade and supply chains? 

USMCA has allowed for mostly tariff-free trade among the US, Canada and Mexico, but key industries still feel the effects of tariffs. For example, the automotive sector must comply with stricter sourcing rules, requiring 75% North American content and higher labour wage thresholds, which has increased production costs. Additionally, some agricultural and industrial commodities, such as vegetables and oilseeds, have faced non-zero tariffs in recent years.  

If a broad tariff increase were introduced, we would likely see disruption in North American trade, particularly in industries reliant on imports like oil, agriculture and manufacturing. Higher tariffs on Canadian oil, for example, would trigger inflationary pressures across multiple sectors, while tariffs on Mexican agricultural products would drive up food prices in the US.  

Tariff-related uncertainty has led to market volatility, strengthening the US dollar while weakening local currencies. This trend could make dollar-denominated debt harder to manage, particularly for emerging markets. For countries like the UK, which are highly integrated into global supply chains, this volatility could lead to trade shocks, through supply chain disruptions and financial market pressures. 

Can you give any examples of data-driven solutions being used to combat tariff challenges? 

With tariffs frequently changing, businesses are increasingly relying on data-driven solutions to stay informed and adjust strategies AI-powered trade compliance platforms, for instance, help businesses track tariff changes in real time, ensuring their imports meet regulatory requirements.

In addition, supply chain optimisation tools leverage live data to adjust sourcing and logistics strategies in response to shifting tariffs. Predictive analytics also enables businesses to model potential cost increases and proactively adjust their pricing structures.

These solutions help companies make smarter, more resilient decisions, allowing them to remain agile in the face of trade uncertainty, minimise disruptions and maintain cost efficiency. 

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