SOLUTION

Pricing for Tariffs

Tariffs introduce complexity and threaten margins. If your prices don’t respond quickly, you risk the health of your business.

How to respond to tariffs

The new U.S. administration announced a wave of tariffs on imports from Mexico (25%), Canada (25%), and China (10%). And this may only be the beginning. The only safe prediction is we can expect significant changes in trade policy. 

Learn more from the Mitch Daniels School of Business

Strategies for tariffs

Tariffs come and go, but a disciplined pricing strategy ensures long-term profitability and resilience. Whether tariffs stay in place or get repealed, businesses that understand their cost structure, adjust pricing intelligently, and communicate transparently will be in the best position to navigate uncertainty. 

Stay agile

Monitor tariff developments using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule and adjust pricing accordingly.

Reinforce pricing discipline

Use this period to improve data-driven pricing decisions that will serve your business beyond tariffs.

Lead the conversation

Proactively communicate changes with customers to build trust and strengthen relationships. 

“Policies are going to appear at the drop of a hat and disappear just as quickly. That capability to move fast will be worth a lot.”

– David Anderson, Vice President of Business Consulting at Vendavo 

Pricing tools for agility

The right pricing solutions make all the difference in quickly responding to new tariffs. Vendavo offers pricing and analytics software to help you maintain, and grow your margin:

Easily identify the impacts that tariffs have on your bottom line. Find the leaks in your margin funnel so they can be sealed. – Learn More 

Execute straightforward, scalable price management across your organization. Improve pricing agility to stay head of tariff changes, increase revenue and margin with future-proof technology and expert guidance. – Learn More 

Price optimization software to help you realize greater profitability, gain a competitive edge, and win more deals. Maximize sales volume and profits by targeting customers’ willingness to pay, quickly react to market changes by competitively offering goods and services and enhance pricing guidance with your business expertise. – Learn More

Deliver the right price to your sales team and customers. Easily identify short term price changes required for tariffs– Learn More

Use the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)

to pinpoint the exact tariff rates on your materials.

Validate supplier claims

some suppliers may use tariffs as an excuse for excessive price hikes. 

Analyze product-level risk

which materials are most impacted, and what alternatives exist? 

Consider secondary cost effects

increased tariffs can lead to higher freight, storage, and labor costs. 

Know your true tariff exposure

Not all tariffs affect businesses the same way. Some companies will see direct cost increases, while others may experience indirect price hikes from suppliers. Before making any pricing decisions, you need to gather accurate data on which products, suppliers, and materials are impacted. 

Tariff Action Checklist 

Identify affected SKUs using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) database. 

Run P&L scenarios to understand cost increases and margin risks. 

Evaluate direct pass-through vs. phased increases to balance customer retention and profitability. 

Prime customers now for upcoming tariff-related price adjustments. 

Track freight, labor, and supplier cost shifts to avoid hidden margin erosion. 

Treat tariffs as temporary but use this moment to strengthen your pricing processes for future disruptions.Â