Tariff policy is moving quickly, but the operational implications for shippers are still unfolding. Importers are trying to understand what duties they actually owe while new tariff mechanisms are being introduced and challenged in court.
That uncertainty is creating a difficult planning environment for supply chain teams. Companies must make freight decisions now while the legal and regulatory framework behind tariffs continues to shift. In some cases, the window to react to policy changes may be measured in hours rather than days.
In a recent Freight Buyers’ Club discussion recorded at TPM 2026 in Long Beach, Paul Bingham, Director of Transportation Consulting, Economics and Country Risk at S&P Global Market Intelligence, joined host Mike King to examine what the latest tariff developments mean for importers and global freight markets.
Tariff changes are creating operational uncertainty for importers
According to Bingham, the immediate challenge for many companies is simply understanding their tariff exposure. Importers are trying to determine what duties apply under the current rules while new tariff authorities are introduced and others are challenged in court.
This creates a complex environment for supply chain planning. Companies may see tariff rates change quickly depending on product categories, sourcing locations, or new policy announcements. As a result, logistics teams often need to reassess sourcing, landed cost calculations, and shipping decisions in real time.
Bingham noted that freight forwarders and customs brokers are often the first partners importers turn to when navigating these changes.
Refunds may not be automatic
Another area of uncertainty involves potential refunds tied to earlier tariffs. While Supreme Court Ruling on IEEPA Tariffs have opened the door to refunds in some cases, the actual process for issuing those refunds remains unclear.
Importers may need to provide documentation proving that duties were paid and that refunds are justified. Depending on how the government implements the process, companies could face additional administrative steps or legal filings before receiving reimbursement.
For many businesses, the cost of pursuing refunds may become a key consideration when evaluating their options.
Tariffs continue to shape sourcing and inventory decisions
Tariff uncertainty is also affecting how companies manage inventories and sourcing strategies.
Bingham explained that supply chain teams must weigh whether to accelerate shipments, delay imports, or adjust sourcing locations depending on how tariffs evolve. These decisions become more difficult when policies change quickly or when the duration of tariff measures remains unclear.
Inventory planning has become particularly challenging in this environment. Companies must balance the risk of paying higher duties today against the possibility that tariffs could change again in the near future.
What Shippers Should Take From This
Several themes emerge as companies navigate the current tariff environment.
Tariff policy is moving faster than many supply chains are built to react. Importers are being forced to evaluate sourcing decisions, landed costs, and shipping strategies while the regulatory picture is still evolving.
Refund processes and compliance requirements may also require closer coordination with customs brokers and logistics partners. For many companies, understanding what duties apply and how to recover potential refunds will depend on having the right expertise and systems in place.
Inventory planning is still challenging. Companies must balance the risk of paying higher duties today against the possibility that tariff conditions may shift again in the near future. Subscribe to the Freight Buyers’ Club podcast to hear the full conversation and stay informed as trade policy developments continue to shape global supply chains.
If you are navigating tariff exposure, customs requirements, or changing sourcing strategies, get in touch with a Dimerco specialist to discuss how these developments may affect your supply chain planning.
