Managing Tariffs and Market Uncertainty:
Business Strategies and Emerging Trends
In collaboration with
In brief
In a recent roundtable discussion, executives from a diverse range of industries explored how businesses are responding to tariffs within the broader context of market volatility and uncertainty. The conversation revealed a mix of immediate tactical actions, longer-term strategic considerations, and areas where businesses have yet to act decisively.
While some companies are already adapting supply chain strategies and contract structures, many remain in a “wait and see” mode, hesitant to commit to structural changes without a clearer picture of long-term policy shifts. The discussion also raised fundamental questions about whether businesses need to move away from traditional supply chainsand toward supply networks or ecosystems, potentially governed by shared standards rather than rigid contracts.
This report summarizes key insights from the discussion, structured around three core themes:
- What businesses are doing now
- What businesses are considering for the future
- What businesses are not yet doing but may need to address
Contracting for Chaos Webinars
We face a challenging and unpredictable year, a year in which our ability to adjust and adapt will be put to the test.
You can expect rapid shifts in commercial policies, in patterns of trade and in the way we handle risk. Contracts and contract managers will face tremendous pressures - and an opportunity to demonstrate skills and value as leaders in managing risk and delivering change.
This webinar features the thoughts and expectations of executives from across industries and geographies as they structure their organizations and processes to deal with unpredictability – shifts in markets, regulation, geopolitics and technology. Drawing from our benchmark studies, we will look at the current state of commercial and contract management, and highlight case studies where WorldCC members are at the forefront in delivering change.
As we launch our 2025 Benchmark Survey, there’s a big question: ‘What will commercial and contract management look like by the end of the year?’
The Way Forward
Written by
Tim Cummins
An international, cross-industry career that has moved from corporate management to extensive research, advisory and capability development services to public, private and third sector organisations. Tim has lived and worked in the UK, France (3 years), and the United States (20 years), building an impressive research and entrepreneurial record with a demonstrated commitment to delivering social benefit. As Founder and President of World Commerce & Contracting (formerly International Association for Contract & Commercial Management), Tim has built a 72,000-member worldwide non-profit association which increasingly influences commercial policies and contracting practices in major corporations and governments. In September 2019, he was presented with the Financial Times ‘Market Shaper of the Year Award. Tim was, until recently, Professor and Chair of International Commercial & Contract Management at the University of Leeds, School of Law, where he taught and led the development of inter-disciplinary commercial programs. Prior to founding World Commerce & Contracting, Tim was on the Chairman’s staff at IBM Corporation and led the development of worldwide commercial processes and skills. His early career included management roles in the banking, automotive and aerospace industries, where he led negotiations up to $1.5 billion in value. He has served in advisory roles for government departments in various countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and Japan.
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