Tariff volatility demands long-term strategic responses, says Gartner

Enterprises must prepare for strategic responses to ongoing tariff volatility, which could persist for years, according to a release from Gartner, Inc.

“Enterprises should recognize tariff volatility as a multiyear, dynamic event,” said Suzie Petrusic, senior director analyst in Gartner’s supply chain practice. “Chief supply chain officers (CSCOs) who recognize this reality should continually evaluate opportunities to invest in strengthening their operations and attract outside investments from geopolitical actors and ecosystem partners.”

Gartner analysts emphasized that acting too early or too late to new tariff policies can be equally risky. They recommend that CSCOs incorporate potential countermeasures and geopolitical shifts into their scenario planning.

“The long-term winners will reinvent or reinvigorate their business strategies, developing new capabilities that drive competitive advantage,” said Brian Whitlock, senior research director in Gartner’s supply chain practice.

Gartner outlined five pathways for enterprises to respond to tariff changes: retire, renovate, rebalance, reinvent and reinvigorate. Each pathway involves varying levels of investment, operational adjustments, or even retiring specific products or services affected by tariffs.

Gartner experts suggest that companies that adapt strategically, rather than react defensively, are best positioned to gain competitive advantage.

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