Navigating Tariff Disruptions: Strategies for Businesses with Emma Carr of Gowling WLG

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Cashflow Show, host Clayton M. Coke is joined by Emma Carr, Commercial Disputes Partner at Gowling WLG, to explore the impact of tariff disruptions, particularly under the Trump administration’s trade policies. Emma discusses how sectors like fast-moving consumer goods, retail, and manufacturing are vulnerable due to tight margins and fixed pricing. She offers practical advice on contract reviews, supply chain audits, and communication to mitigate risks, with a focus on Northern Ireland’s unique challenges. Emma also highlights how businesses can leverage legal expertise to future-proof against trade uncertainties.

Key Discussion Points: 

• Tariff Impacts: Fast-moving consumer goods, retail, and manufacturing face cost shocks from tariffs due to volume-driven models and fixed pricing. 
• Sector Vulnerabilities: These industries lack flexibility to absorb or pass on tariff costs, risking profitability and production delays. 
• Contract Preparedness: Businesses often neglect contracts until disputes arise, leaving them unprepared for tariff-driven changes. 
• Proactive Steps: Review contracts for clauses like force majeure or price adjustments, conduct supply chain audits, and diversify suppliers. 
• Northern Ireland’s Challenges: Caught between UK and EU rules, Northern Irish businesses in agriculture, manufacturing, and tech face tariff uncertainty. 
• Communication Strategy: Early dialogue with suppliers and customers can help share risks and adapt terms before crises hit. 
• Future-Proofing: Include tariff-specific clauses in new contracts to anticipate trade disruptions and regulatory changes.

Key Takeaways: 

• Tariffs disrupt industries with tight margins, requiring proactive contract and supply chain management to mitigate risks. 
• Northern Ireland’s unique position amplifies tariff challenges, demanding clarity on product origins and trade routes. 
• Open communication and flexible contract clauses are critical to navigating trade uncertainties. 
• Legal expertise, like Gowling WLG’s, can help businesses reset contracts and prepare for ongoing trade volatility.

Notable Quotes: 

• “Fast-moving consumer goods, retail, and manufacturing rely on predictability… tariffs throw a lot of unpredictability into the mix.” — Emma Carr 
• “Pen and jaw is often better than all-out war. Open those lines of communication now and start talking.” — Emma Carr 
• “The idea of sitting and doing nothing and just hoping for the best is not really a strategy.” — Emma Carr

Actionable Insights for Businesses:

• Review Contracts: Dust off supplier and customer agreements to check for tariff-related clauses, renegotiation options, or termination rights. 
• Audit Supply Chains: Map critical goods and suppliers to identify exposure to tariff-prone regions like the US or China, and diversify where possible. 
• Communicate Early: Engage suppliers and customers now to agree on cost-sharing or flexible terms to handle tariff impacts. 
• Leverage Legal Expertise: Work with firms like Gowling WLG to draft tariff-resilient contracts and access resources like ThinkHouse for in-house counsel.

Resources: 

• Visit gowlingwlg.com for articles and information on trade law and dispute resolution. 
• Sign up for Gowling WLG’s ThinkHouse program at gowlingwlg.com/en/thinkhouse for free seminars and resources. 
• Explore UK trade guidance at gov.uk/business-and-industry/trade-and-investment.

The Cashflow Show can be reached here