AI has emerged as a critical tool for companies navigating the complex and unpredictable trade environment that Donald Trump’s tariff policies created. As the former U.S. administration imposed higher costs and frequent changes to import rules, businesses were forced to rethink supply chains, pricing models, and global partnerships.
The rise in tariffs on goods from electric vehicles to textiles left companies scrambling to adapt. Many discovered their existing systems could not keep up with the rapid regulatory changes, prompting a shift to artificial intelligence for faster, data-driven decision-making.
Tariffs triggered a search for smarter tools
Trump’s tariffs targeted a wide range of products, from raw materials to finished goods, which disrupted long-established international supply chains. With over 20,000 product categories in the U.S. customs database, each subject to different rules, companies faced a challenging task.
Businesses had to analyze detailed Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes and review which parts of their inventory were newly affected. Manual methods proved too slow, so many turned to AI to manage the flood of data and provide real-time insights into costs, trade exposure, and potential solutions.
AI helped large firms adapt quickly
Major companies began using AI tools to reduce the impact of unpredictable tariffs. Salesforce developed a system that could quickly scan thousands of pages of the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule to help businesses identify duties. Kinaxis offered AI-powered simulations to test changes in supply chains and reduce risks.
Wipro combined traditional machine learning and generative AI to track global supply routes, supplier data, and tariff risks. These tools allowed businesses to reroute shipments, choose cheaper suppliers, and shift sourcing strategies quickly.
Such systems took over tasks too large and complex for human teams, such as tracking regulatory updates, scanning supplier networks for risk, and modeling real-time financial impacts.
Smaller Companies Struggled to Keep Up
Big corporations quickly reaped the rewards from AI technology, but it was harder for small firms to use. Quite a few firms didn’t have the resources or proper data to benefit from using AI.
Smaller companies do not always have the money to gather or keep clean and updated data that AI needs. Even the best technology is only valid when it allows easy access to business data. Many wondered if AI would give bigger companies an advantage or help smaller ones keep pace.