Supply Chain Pressures: Tariff Uncertainty and Port Congestion
By Adrienne Galeas — September 30, 2025
3 MIN READ
Our Quarterly Good Food Bulletin brings together company news, supply chain updates, and climate insights from our partners to help you navigate the evolving food and retail landscape.
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Sign up hereGlobal supply chains continue to evolve in response to changing trade policies and infrastructure dynamics. While uncertainty remains part of the landscape, it also creates opportunities for those able to adapt quickly. Here are two of the most relevant trends this quarter and what they mean for decision-makers.
Tariffs, Trade Policy and Regulatory Uncertainty
Trade policy continues to be a moving target. The risk of new tariffs, shifting trade agreements, and evolving regulatory frameworks creates persistent uncertainty. For businesses, this means that long-term planning becomes more difficult, and strategies often need to adjust in real time.
A common response has been “front-loading”, accelerating shipments before new policies or tariffs come into effect. While this can secure favorable terms in the short term, it also disrupts normal distribution patterns and increases the pressure on already stressed logistics networks. Conversely, some businesses choose to delay shipments in the hope that conditions will stabilize, but this can expose them to bottlenecks and missed opportunities if changes move in the opposite direction.
The net result is an environment where agility is just as critical as cost efficiency. Companies that build flexible supply chains, with diversified sourcing options, adaptable distribution strategies, and real-time monitoring, are better positioned to manage these risks.
Ongoing Port Congestion
Ports in Europe and other regions are experiencing persistent congestion. Vessel rotations are being delayed, ships are left waiting at anchor, and container yards are running short on space. A mix of factors is driving these issues, including labor shortages, terminal inefficiencies, bad weather, and other operational disruptions.
The result is longer dwell times, irregular sailing schedules, and additional costs for shippers. These delays ripple through supply chains, complicating inventory planning and adding unpredictability to delivery timelines.
Conclusion: Avoid Decision Paralysis
In today’s environment, hesitation can be more damaging than acting decisively with imperfect information. Delaying decisions in the hope of clearer guidance often leads to higher costs, longer lead times, or missed opportunities.
The most resilient supply chains are those that move forward with agility, making informed choices based on current realities and building in the flexibility to adapt when conditions inevitably shift again.
Sources:
Freightos Logistics
C.H. Robinson
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