Amid always-present dynamic changes in global trade, the recent back-and-forth discussion of U.S. tariffs have sent intense ripple effects across international markets, forcing entire industries into a game of balancing supply chains with pricing strategies. These tariffs, aimed at protecting domestic industries, have inadvertently disrupted global supply chains, leading to increased costs, operational inefficiencies, and a feeling of loss of control for many companies worldwide. The world’s biggest corporations may have the cushion to absorb the blow, but mid-sized businesses are left scrambling, adjusting pricing, renegotiating supplier contracts and making split-second decisions in an increasingly volatile landscape.
We know this because some of our customers have told us they are deep in the trenches, and need a hand navigating sudden price spikes, shifting consumer demand and supplier instability. And here’s the truth: businesses that rely on outdated, manual demand planning will surely sink.
Tariffs are just the tip of the iceberg
The U.S. administration’s recent tariff hikes of 25% on steel and aluminum, and a steep jump from 10% to 20% on Chinese imports, are sending shockwaves through key sectors. Tariff discussions for Canada, Mexico and Europe have also sent business scrambling.
What we’re seeing:
- Automotive: Skyrocketing material costs are forcing price hikes and straining supplier relationships
- Retail & Fashion: Supply chains are in disarray, forcing brands to rethink sourcing, pricing, and even their sustainability commitments.
- Consumer Goods: Businesses are constantly re-evaluating costs, leading to rapid-fire pricing and repricing to stay competitive.
And this isn’t a one-time hit. The real problem isn’t the tariffs themselves, it’s the uncertainty. Businesses don’t know when the next policy shift will come, how long it will last, or what impact it will have. It’s also greatly affecting consumer demand, and forecasting sales is getting more and more difficult. The companies that thrive will be the ones that act instantly.
Traditional demand planning for tariff adjustments won’t work anymore
We are seeing it firsthand: companies dealing with fluctuating costs are pricing and repricing on the fly, adjusting their demand plans weekly, sometimes daily. That level of agility is impossible if you’re still using spreadsheets or outdated forecasting models.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Can you predict demand accurately even when costs change overnight?
- Are you making real-time, data-driven pricing decisions, or just guessing?
- Do you have visibility into where your supply chain is most vulnerable?
If your answers aren’t clear, your business is at risk. In a time of economic turbulence, traditional forecasting is a liability.
Intuendi: Your AI-powered demand planning tool for an unpredictable world
Big corporations may have entire teams analyzing supply chain disruptions, but small and mid-sized businesses don’t have that luxury. That’s why Intuendi exists: to level the playing field, giving fast-moving businesses the AI-driven insights they need to stay ahead.
- Predict Demand with Pinpoint Accuracy: No more reactive planning. Our machine learning intelligence analyzes shifting trends, supplier risks, and consumer behavior to forecast demand with real-world precision.
- Optimize Pricing in Real-Time: Our AI-powered pricing insights help you adjust dynamically, so you stay competitive without slashing margins.
- Smarter Inventory Management: Stock the right products, at the right time, at the right cost, without stockout risks or excess inventory.
- De-Risk Your Supply Chain: Identify vulnerabilities before they become full-blown crises. Know when to switch suppliers, adjust order quantities, or shift sourcing strategies.
- Symphonie, Your AI Co-Pilot: More than an AI chatbot, Symphonie actively advises you on the smartest moves to make in volatile conditions, so you’re always in tune and a step ahead.
Survival of the smartest
Let’s be honest: businesses that hold on to old methods will get crushed by this volatility. The new normal (for now hopefully) is tariffs, shifting costs, supply chain disruptions and uncertain demand. It’s not just about surviving today, but it’s about building a resilient, future-proof strategy that lets you thrive in any market condition.
Small and mid-sized businesses don’t have endless resources to monitor every supply chain fluctuation. That’s why we built Symphonie, your AI-powered assistant that helps you navigate uncertainty with confidence.
The future doesn’t wait, and neither should you. Get ahead with Intuendi.
