How to Navigate Tariffs While Keeping Your Supply Chain Strong

by | Apr 22, 2025 | Supply Chain

Tariffs come and go, but smart businesses stay ahead of the curve. At Rothkopf, we understand that unexpected changes in global trade can impact your bottom line. That is why we don’t just react to tariffs, we plan for them. With strong supplier relationships in twelve countries and a well-stocked product pipeline, we provide stability when supply chain disruptions threaten to drive up costs.

The Flex in Your Supply Chain

We know that the smallest parts can have the biggest impact on your bottom line. Whether it is an o-ring in a microwave, a gasket in a refrigerator, or a seal in a tractor, our rubber components are critical to keeping machines running. That is why we have built flexibility into our supply chain. For example, we have three million parts due from Mexico over the next three months with half of those are already in our warehouses. As tariffs are applied, our customers can potentially benefit from tariff-free stock, helping them possibly avoid sudden cost increases.

Our approach is simple. We maintain a product pipeline that includes inventory on our shelves, in transit, and in supplier warehouses. This ensures that when changes happen — whether from tariffs, natural disasters, or global events that disrupt the supply chain — we have multiple sourcing options to keep your production lines moving. That is why we have a reputation of being the “Flex in your supply chain”.

How Our Customers Benefit from Our Proactive Planning

For Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), who produce everything from cars to coffee machines, maintaining steady production is critical. Supply chain disruptions can lead to costly delays, price increases, and pressure on margins. Rothkopf helps mitigate these risks by offering:

  • Early Stocking & Price Stability: We always explore options to get ahead of tariff risks by securing stock before price increases take effect. The benefit means we can sometimes hold pricing for our customers while other suppliers scramble.
  • Alternative Sourcing Options: Our global supplier network allows us to explore shifting sourcing to different regions if needed, always with our customers’ approval.
  • Clear Communication & Transparency: We provide regular updates so our customers always know what to expect. No surprises, no guesswork. Just a solid plan to keep production on track.

Plan Ahead with Rothkopf

When tariffs and other global changes threaten to disrupt your business, Rothkopf is the steady hand you can rely on. Like you, we have been through trade shifts before, and we know how to navigate them to protect our customers. If you want to secure stable pricing, ensure supply chain flexibility, and stay ahead of market changes, now is the time to act.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help keep your business moving forward—no matter what happens next.

Related Posts

Three Key Components of Flawless Fulfillment

Three Key Components of Flawless Fulfillment

Humans make mistakes but, in our line of business, there’s no room for mistakes. We have a motto we live by, and it’s Flawless Fulfillment. What does that mean to us? What does it mean to you? It means that we expect zero defects in our parts and processes. And so can...

read more