Question 1

Why are tariffs a major concern for manufacturers in 2025?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

Why do compliance response times matter for distributors?

Accepted Answer

Distributors compete on trust. OEMs and Tier 1 manufacturers expect fast access to compliance data for RoHS, REACH, PFAS, conflict minerals, and much more. Slow or incomplete responses can lead to escalations, lost deals, or supplier delisting. Fast, accurate responses help protect revenue and customer relationships.

Question 5

How is Assent’s distributor compliance software different from manufacturer compliance tools?

Accepted Answer

Distributors do not create products or manage bills of materials. They manage compliance documents from manufacturers. Assent’s distributor platform is designed for document handling, not material rollups. It centralizes requests, matches them to verified declarations, and automates responses without adding unnecessary complexity.

Question 6

How does Assent help distributors prevent compliance issues before customers ask?

Accepted Answer

Assent shows compliance coverage across the entire SKU catalog. Dashboards highlight missing or expired declarations so teams can fix gaps early. Access to a shared network of supplier-submitted data reduces repeated outreach. This helps distributors stay audit-ready and deliver consistent, reliable compliance data.

Question 7

Why are tariffs a major concern for manufacturers in 2025?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

Why do compliance response times matter for distributors?

Accepted Answer

Distributors compete on trust. OEMs and Tier 1 manufacturers expect fast access to compliance data for RoHS, REACH, PFAS, conflict minerals, and much more. Slow or incomplete responses can lead to escalations, lost deals, or supplier delisting. Fast, accurate responses help protect revenue and customer relationships.

Question 11

How is Assent’s distributor compliance software different from manufacturer compliance tools?

Accepted Answer

Distributors do not create products or manage bills of materials. They manage compliance documents from manufacturers. Assent’s distributor platform is designed for document handling, not material rollups. It centralizes requests, matches them to verified declarations, and automates responses without adding unnecessary complexity.

Question 12

How does Assent help distributors prevent compliance issues before customers ask?

Accepted Answer

Assent shows compliance coverage across the entire SKU catalog. Dashboards highlight missing or expired declarations so teams can fix gaps early. Access to a shared network of supplier-submitted data reduces repeated outreach. This helps distributors stay audit-ready and deliver consistent, reliable compliance data.

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Tariffs & Your Business: Forging Resilience Out of Uncertainty

Steeling Sanctions: Global Requirements on Russian Steel & Iron

UK Regulatory Uncertainty: What We Know About Brexit & REACH

USMCA: What Changed From NAFTA & What It Means for Industries

Brexit Transition Period: What Happens When It’s Over

Modernizing Trade Compliance in a Digital Future

Brexit: The Aerospace Industry Encounters Regulatory Turbulence

How Brexit Will Impact the EU Medical Device Regulation

Brexit: What Happens Now?

A Possible No-Deal Brexit’s Impact on the REACH Regulation

c Requirements for Businesses

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Tariffs & Your Business: Forging Resilience Out of Uncertainty

Steeling Sanctions: Global Requirements on Russian Steel & Iron

UK Regulatory Uncertainty: What We Know About Brexit & REACH

USMCA: What Changed From NAFTA & What It Means for Industries

Brexit Transition Period: What Happens When It’s Over

Modernizing Trade Compliance in a Digital Future

Brexit: The Aerospace Industry Encounters Regulatory Turbulence

How Brexit Will Impact the EU Medical Device Regulation

Brexit: What Happens Now?

A Possible No-Deal Brexit’s Impact on the REACH Regulation

c Requirements for Businesses

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