Until we really know the impact, you cannot make a decision other than just waiting and front-loading shipments. That's what we see a lot these days—companies shipping into the U.S. ahead of time to create a safety stock before any tariffs take effect.
Countries around the world are watching closely as tariffs threaten upend global trade. Governments and consumers speculate on their own economic impact, but it's the supply chain industry that finds itself on the front lines, managing unprecedented uncertainty and having to deliver goods in an environment with no clear answers.
We spoke with Manuele Mazzacurati, Executive VP Sales & Marketing at freight forwarding logistics giant JAS Worldwide, to discuss the stakes for supply chains and how businesses are bracing for impact while tariffs remain in limbo.
A waiting game: "Now with these trade changes, it's becoming extremely complicated for everybody to really understand what to do next," says Mazzacurati. "What I see when I speak to our customers is that they tell me, 'We cannot do anything else right now but wait to understand this better. We've already made several changes in our supply chain and sourcing patterns, and we're not going to make another one until we really know what the impact is going to be.'"
The uncertainty surrounding tariffs has left companies hesitant to make further changes to their supply chain plans and projections, already fearing losses before tariffs are actually enacting. In automotive in particular, the threat of a 25% tariff on imported cars could upend logistics strategies. Mazzacurati points out that most of the worlds carmakers produce in Mexico, and it opens tough questions about who will be hit with tariffs, and who won't.
"Until we really know the impact, you cannot make a decision other than just waiting and front-loading shipments," Mazzacurati explains. "That's what we see a lot these days—companies shipping into the U.S. ahead of time to create a safety stock before any tariffs take effect."
Free zones: One way companies have traditionally managed uncertainty is by leveraging free trade zones. But even this strategy now carries risks. "You might suggest to customers certain solutions that may not be the right ones in a few months," says Mazzacurati. "For example, using a free zone in Panama to serve the Americas sounds logical, but if that product comes from China and is later shipped to the U.S., will it be subject to tariffs? We don’t know."
With so many unknowns, even experienced logistics professionals are finding it difficult to recommend alternative solutions. "It’s becoming complicated for us to propose innovative ways of doing things because we risk costing our customers a lot of money," he adds. "We just have to wait. By April or May, we might have a better picture and be able to make more assertive decisions."
The industry conversation is shifting towards AI-based supply chain improvements. That kind of efficiency gain is much bigger than what you pay on ocean freight, air freight, or even an additional 10% tariff.
AI as a solution: Despite the chaos, technology offers a way forward. "If you really dig, there are so many opportunities to improve companies’ supply chains," Mazzacurati notes. "I’m talking about massive corporations—there is so much room to reduce costs, shorten lead times, and even optimize workforce operations. That’s where AI comes in."
AI-driven improvements in supply chain management could mitigate rising costs, including those from tariffs. "The industry conversation is shifting towards AI-based supply chain improvements," he says. "That kind of efficiency gain is much bigger than what you pay on ocean freight, air freight, or even an additional 10% tariff."
Nearshoring: Another strategy gaining momentum is nearshoring—moving production closer to key markets to minimize supply chain risks. "Nearshoring has a lot to do with trade agreements like NAFTA," says Mazzacurati. "Mexico’s role in nearshoring is a big deal, and it’s been growing for years. I believe it will continue, not just for cost savings, but also for speed-to-market benefits. Being closer to the customer is becoming a necessity."
A future in India: Looking beyond the immediate tariff concerns, Mazzacurati sees India as an emerging powerhouse in global supply chains. "India is going to be a big factor moving forward," he predicts. "In the past, we talked about India potentially becoming a major player. Now I see it happening—Many European multinational companies are making serious investments in India, and geopolitically, they’re well positioned."
While India may not dominate the supply chain landscape overnight, its rise is inevitable. "It might take time, but I trust India will play a big role in the supply chain industry. Maybe not in 2025 or 2026, but certainly in the near future."
