Are US Shippers Ready for an Emergency Order on Tariffs?

Lori Ann LaRocco –

The world of logistics handicapped a Trump win starting in the late winter and early spring of 2024, with discussions and implementation of front-loading in anticipation of tariffs.

While the world of trade is no stranger to the Trump Tariffs and the Section 232 and 301 processes, this time around the next tranche of tariffs could be declared using IEEPA (International Economic Powers Act), and the results of this order could be devastating to companies’ margins and add inflationary pressures to prices.

“These tariffs could be enacted in a way that would be swift and far-reaching,” explained Safiya Ghori-Ahmad, Senior Director of global public affairs at APCO. “It’s unclear whether the Trump Administration wants to use IEEPA to focus on particular countries, industries, or some combination of the two. The potential impact to global companies and shippers could be significant and immediate, including driving up costs and reducing demand for imported goods.”

Ghori-Ahmad has been advising US shippers on the various ways the additional tariffs can be deployed.

“If President Trump us…