May 31, 2025
Forbes recently published an article featuring Moshe Cohen, Senior Lecturer of Management and Organizations, discussing how former President Trump’s erratic tariff policies are creating an unstable landscape for U.S. businesses.
A short-lived trade court decision that deemed many of the tariffs illegal, only to be reversed the next day, underscores the ongoing legal and strategic uncertainty companies face. Experts cited in the article emphasize the importance of adaptability in such a volatile environment. From diversifying suppliers to revisiting crisis plans, businesses are being forced into a state of constant reassessment, with major implications for pricing strategies, inventory planning, and capital investment.
Cohen highlights the critical role of supplier relationships during turbulent periods: “You must devote time to maintaining relationships with your suppliers, even as you might limit or pause your purchases from them. They might be unhappy in the moment, but they will appreciate the effort and will go out of their way to find ways of working with you as circumstances evolve.”
Ultimately, companies are advised to stay nimble, communicate transparently with stakeholders, and prepare for a range of trade policy outcomes as the legal battles around tariffs continue to unfold.
