Companies Leverage AI to Navigate U.S. Tariffs Impacting Supply Chains

IT companies have increasingly begun to incorporate AI tools to analyze supply chains, from the materials used to shipping and delivery points, amidst new tariffs imposed by the U.S. These companies report that artificial intelligence aids in adapting quickly to the rapidly changing market and regulatory landscapes, as noted by CNBC.

Salesforce recently unveiled a new AI assistant focused on imports, capable of processing changes across 20,000 product categories included in the U.S. customs system. This tool is designed to respond swiftly to tariff fluctuations and to adjust marketing strategies accordingly.

“Previously, companies relied on teams of internal experts to keep up with regulatory changes. However, due to the immense pace and complexity of tariff modifications, manually tracking them has become nearly impossible,” explains Eric Loeb, executive vice president at Salesforce.

The supply chain management software developer Kinaxis employs AI to evaluate the implications of new tariffs on products and materials, including their overall cost, while also analyzing external factors such as news articles and macroeconomic indicators. Meanwhile, FourKites uses AI to assess how its logistics networks are shifting due to the new tariffs. The Indian IT giant Wipro offers its clients AI solutions for modifying strategies, adjusting trade routes, and analyzing tariffs.

Zak Cass, a futurist and former CEO of OpenAI, believes that the uncertainty brought on by new tariffs has turned into a «moment of glory for AI.» He notes that in an environment where it is challenging to quickly hire and train enough experts, AI serves as an alternative for companies striving to maintain their competitiveness.

Experts emphasize that, despite its advantages, AI should not be regarded as a cure-all.

“It’s a powerful tool, but not a silver bullet. It does not replace trade policy strategy; rather, it enhances it, transforming trade from a reactive challenge into a proactive data-driven advantage,” concludes Nagendra Bandaru, managing partner at Wipro.