Tech Firms Use AI to Analyze Impact of Trump’s Tariffs on Global Supply Chains
Several tech firms are deploying artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help businesses navigate the turbulence in global trade caused by U.S. President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs. These AI solutions aim to visualize and understand the effects of the tariffs on companies’ global supply chains, from material sourcing to shipping destinations.
Salesforce recently developed an AI tariff agent capable of “instantly processing changes for all 20,000 product categories in the U.S. customs system.” This development was made possible by utilizing the 4,400-page Harmonized Tariff Schedule, which outlines tariffs on goods imported to the U.S. Eric Loeb, Salesforce’s executive vice president of government affairs, noted that the “sheer pace and complexity of global tariff changes make it nearly impossible for most businesses to keep up manually.”
Other companies, such as Kinaxis and Wipro, are also using AI and machine learning to help businesses assess the impact of tariffs on their supply chains. Kinaxis’s chief product officer, Andrew Bell, explained that their technology allows manufacturers and distributors to simulate the effects of switching parts or suppliers in response to tariffs.
The uncertainty caused by Trump’s tariffs has presented an opportunity for AI to demonstrate its value. Zack Kass, a former OpenAI executive, stated that this uncertainty “actually probably presents AI’s moment to shine.” Companies like Walmart and Nike have already begun raising prices on some products in response to the tariffs.
While AI is seen as a powerful tool, it is not considered a “silver bullet.” Nagendra Bandaru of Wipro emphasized that AI “enhances trade policy strategy by transforming global trade from a reactive challenge into a proactive, data-driven advantage.” The success of AI solutions depends on the quality of the data they have access to, according to Ajay Agarwal of Bain Capital Ventures.
As global firms continue to navigate the complexities of international trade under Trump’s tariffs, the role of AI in supply chain management is likely to grow. With nearly three-quarters of business leaders ranking AI among their top technology investment priorities for 2025, the integration of AI in global trade management is set to become more prevalent.
