Navigating the New Trade Terrain

Navigating the New Trade Terrain

How SummitEdge Helps You Thrive Amid U.S. Tariffs with CargoWise.

The global trade landscape has taken a sharp turn in 2025. A wave of new U.S. tariffs has reshaped international business dynamics, putting enormous pressure on supply chains and leaving even the most seasoned logistics professionals racing to adapt. At the heart of this disruption is a complex matrix of political strategy and economic urgency. As the U.S. implements sweeping tariffs—25% on all imports from Canada and Mexico, and 10% on those from China—the ripple effects are being felt far and wide. Importers, exporters, and freight forwarders must now rethink how they operate, where they source, and how they deliver.

And this is where SummitEdge steps in—with clarity, control, and CargoWise.

Canada's response was swift and unapologetic. The Canadian government, under incoming Prime Minister Mark Carney, announced a $155 billion retaliatory tariff package, starting with a 25% duty on $30 billion worth of U.S. goods. Items like orange juice, peanut butter, wine, appliances, and cosmetics were all swept into the first wave. Canada made it clear: these tariffs won’t be lifted until the U.S. demonstrates genuine respect for fair and free trade. The stance isn't just political; it's a statement of economic sovereignty. Canadian businesses now face higher operational costs, tighter margins, and greater urgency to adapt technologically. This is where supply chain efficiency isn’t optional—it’s survival.

Across the Atlantic, the United Kingdom took a more measured route. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed disappointment in the U.S. tariffs, especially those affecting steel and aluminum exports. While the U.K. hasn’t retaliated with its own tariffs, it has signaled that all options remain on the table. British manufacturers are already feeling the pressure. Export orders have declined at the fastest rate in five years, and the Manufacturing PMI hovers at 45.4—well below the 50 threshold that signals growth. Companies are cutting jobs and scaling back production, but many are also turning toward digital solutions and automated trade systems to regain control over volatile logistics costs.

The impact on the U.S. itself has been equally profound. The Institute for Supply Management reported a drop in its manufacturing index to 48.7%, confirming a contraction. Export orders are down, input costs are up, and American manufacturers are struggling to recalibrate. Despite a Senate vote to rein in the tariffs, the resolution was narrowly defeated. Vice President JD Vance cast the deciding vote in favor of keeping the tariffs intact, reinforcing the administration’s hardline stance. This decision has amplified uncertainty among global buyers who rely heavily on U.S. goods and logistics networks.

This is exactly why companies are leaning on SummitEdge. In this climate of economic nationalism and shifting alliances, agility is everything. Our team specializes in implementing CargoWise solutions that bring transparency, automation, and efficiency to your entire supply chain. With SummitEdge, you gain real-time visibility into your logistics operations, automated compliance with international regulations, and reduced human error—critical when every dollar and minute counts.

What sets SummitEdge apart in 2025 is our data-driven approach. We don’t just set up your CargoWise system—we optimize it to match your unique trade routes, tariff exposure, and warehousing needs. Whether you’re based in North America, Europe, or Asia-Pacific, we ensure you're equipped to reroute cargo, reprice goods, and rethink vendor relationships—fast. With our AI-enhanced dashboards and trained CargoWise professionals, companies are seeing operational efficiency rise by up to 40% and shipment delays drop by over 60%.

We also understand that this isn’t just about logistics—it’s about people. That’s why we provide end-to-end training and 24/7 support for your teams, ensuring that even staff without a background in international trade or accounting can navigate CargoWise confidently. One of our clients, a global logistics firm, saw a 75% improvement in data accuracy and a 30% reduction in customs delays within the first two months of our engagement.

Trade tensions may be rising, but with the right technology partner, your business doesn’t have to lose momentum. At SummitEdge, we transform uncertainty into opportunity. Whether you're a freight forwarder, 3PL, or manufacturer, we’ll help you build a future-proof logistics strategy powered by CargoWise and driven by insight.

Let’s take the next step—together. Reach out to our team at contact@summitedge.com or visit summitedge.com to explore how we can help you stay ahead of the curve.