Why are tariffs a major concern for manufacturers in 2025?

Tariffs have become one of the biggest obstacles to manufacturing growth. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, 76% of companies cited trade uncertainty as their top concern in early 2025: a 20% jump from late 2024.At the same time, manufacturers expect raw material costs to rise more than 5%, largely due to shifting global tariffs and supply chain disruptions. These new trade barriers are forcing companies to reassess sourcing strategies, supplier dependencies, and cost structures. Uncertainty around import duties, Section 232 tariffs, and global trade agreements means manufacturers need accurate supply chain visibility to forecast costs and stay competitive.

How can supply chain data help manufacturers lower tariff costs and qualify for tariff exclusions?

With accurate country of origin (COO) and harmonized tariff schedule (HTS) data, manufacturers can apply for tariff exclusions, qualify for free trade agreements (FTAs), and even reduce customs duties. But approvals only go to manufacturers with verifiable COO and HTS data to prove eligibility. The substantial transformation rule also allows tariff reductions when parts from multiple countries are assembled into a product that undergoes significant change but this is only valid with traceable supply chain data.

How does Assent help manufacturers manage tariffs and trade compliance more effectively?

Assent helps manufacturers navigate complex tariff requirements and trade regulations through a combination of expert guidance and AI-driven technology. Our platform automates the collection of COO and HTS data, improves supply chain visibility, and ensures compliance with trade regulations, including Section 232, Dodd-Frank Section 1502, and global FTAs.With the largest supply chain data network in the industry, Assent gives you:Accurate COO and HTS data managementAutomated supplier outreach and educationGuidance from trade compliance expertsProven processes for securing tariff exclusions and cost savings

What are the phases of CBAM implementation?

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is being implemented in two phases: a transitional phase and a permanent phase.The CBAM transitional phase runs from October 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025 and requires EU importers to report the embedded greenhouse gas emissions of in-scope goods on a quarterly basis, without purchasing CBAM certificates.The CBAM permanent phase begins on January 1, 2026. From this point forward, importers must submit annual emissions declarations and purchase CBAM certificates to cover a growing share of embedded emissions, with full financial coverage required by 2034.

What is the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)?

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is an EU regulation that places a carbon price on certain imported goods based on their embedded emissions.CBAM is designed to prevent carbon leakage by ensuring imported products face a comparable carbon cost to goods produced within the EU under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The regulation currently applies to carbon-intensive goods such as iron and steel, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen, and requires importers to calculate and report emissions using defined EU methodologies.

What is a CBAM certificate?

A CBAM certificate is a tradable unit that represents one tonne of CO₂-equivalent emissions embedded in imported goods subject to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.During the CBAM permanent phase, EU importers must purchase and surrender CBAM certificates annually to account for the emissions associated with their imports. Certificate prices are linked to the average EU ETS carbon price, and the number of certificates required may be reduced if a carbon price was already paid in the country of origin. Accurate supplier emissions data helps minimize certificate costs.