The CEO Pulse: Tariffs Resource Center

Following the high of the 2024 election, the introduction of tariffs has deflated the optimism of CEOs of small and midsize businesses. Our latest research reveals that nearly 70% of CEOs expect negative impacts of changing tariff and trade policies, a major driver of increasing economic pessimism among CEOs. While the tariff playbook has not changed, the uncertainty about when, where and how these changes will impact makes planning challenging. The issue at hand may be tariffs, but the problem is uncertainty.

This CEO Pulse collects insights around the topic of tariffs, bringing together both expert and peer perspectives to help you navigate decisions around these changing policies, mitigate the risk and plan effectively. Here’s the latest from Vistage Research, which includes a “tariffs playbook.” 

To help with decision-making, we have curated:

• Insights on tariffs from trusted experts
• Real-life approaches to tariffs from CEO peers
• Join discussions about tariffs in Vistage Networks
• Third-party resources on tariffs

Insights on tariffs from trusted experts

More Practical Steps to Take as Tariffs Are Implemented
Some tariffs are currently in place, with more expected soon. The situation is changing as U.S. policy develops and trade negotiations unfold. ITR Economics offers strategies for positioning your business in this tariff environment.

Tariff Risk Assessment Tool [My Vistage login required]

Our partners at TEC Canada have developed this exercise to help you systematically assess key risks, focus on high-priority issues and make informed decisions in the wake of changing tariffs and trade policy.

TEC Canada: Tariffs and Trade Policy Resources
Gain industry-leading insights and the latest resources for Canadian SMB CEOs and leaders navigating the recent tariff and trade policy changes.   

Strategic Pricing When Inflation Crashes into Recession
How should businesses manage changing tariff and tax policies? This 2022 webinar from Boost Profits President Casey Brown explores the best pricing strategies during these uncertain times. 

B2B Companies Can Navigate Times of Crisis with These Pricing Strategies
Kirk Jackish, global president at Iris Pricing Solutions, delves into pricing methodologies to consider during times of crisis — from eliminating unnecessary costs to maintaining market share.    

5 Priorities to Manage During a Crisis
Whether the Dow drops by 1,000 points or a work stoppage severely impacts your supply chain, it is crucial to accept the situation and take action. Vistage speaker Corrine Hancock outlines 5 key crisis management priorities that CEOs should focus on.

Daily Guide for Leaders During a Crisis 
Vistage CEO Sam Reese explores 6 crisis management principles, inspired by his experiences and discussions with successful business leaders, that could help you steer your organization through tough times.   

Real-life approaches to tariffs from CEO peers

Tangling with Tariffs in 2025: CEOs Share Their Strategies 
As new policies emerge, 3 Vistage CEO members share their insights on overcoming past challenges. Discover their strategies and how they built resilience in their operations. 

Inside One CEO’s Impossible Mission to Stay Ahead of Tariffs
Learn how member company Tormach and its CEO, Daniel Rogge, are slicing spending and raising prices to blunt the damage of a potential trade war in this piece from The Wall Street Journal.  

Join discussions about tariffs in My Vistage Networks

Have a question? Need a recommendation? Want a referral? Ask your peers in My Vistage Networks or join an existing discussion. [My Vistage password required]

Find conversations about tariffs taking place across ALL Vistage Networks. 

Here are the 5 most relevant conversations:

• Tariffs – Strategies as a US manufacturer of capital equipment [Manufacturing Network] 
• Decision based on tariff timing [Manufacturing Network]  
• Tariff classifications for 25% steel and aluminum – resources? [Logistics, Distribution, and Transportation Network]
• Proposed tariffs [Manufacturing Network] 
• Tariffs on equipment involved in government contracting [Manufacturing Network]

Third-party perspectives 

Tariffs, Trade and Other Economic Trends [RSM, U.S. Chamber of Commerce]  

Tariffs on Imports Rocking Small Businesses as They Scramble to Adapt [U.S. Chamber of Commerce]

U.S. Chamber Urges Swift End to Tariffs Set to Go into Effect [U.S. Chamber of Commerce]

Tariff Mania but No US Recession [ITR Economics]

Ahead of the Curve – How to Position Yourself in a Tariff Environment [LinkedIn Pulse]

Navigating Economic Uncertainty with Artificial Intelligence [MSRcosmos]

Related Resources 

The CEO Pulse Resource Centers

Q4 2024 Vistage CEO Confidence Index

0 views