On, off, paused, reciprocal, universal…all the tariff changes and uncertainty are exhausting all of us.
I’m sure you are aware of the 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs and all the rest of the tariff news so I won’t repeat them here. No one knows how tariffs will play out over the coming days/weeks/months/years. What we do know is NOW is the time to think about what this means for your operations and how you can navigate the changes with smart planning and the right partnership.
Strategies to Mitigate Tariff Risk
While you can’t change trade policy, you can take steps to protect your timeline, budget, and product quality. Here’s how:
1. Partner with a Full-Service Distributor
As a full-service electronic components distributor, ElectroShield offers more than just transactions. We can help you plan inventory around tariff timelines, identify verified equivalent parts, and reduce lead times by sourcing from multiple manufacturers.
2. Develop a Sourcing Diversification Plan
Work with our component experts to start qualifying verified equivalent alternatives. We have strong inventory in low-tariff countries (Country of Origin or COO) and a domestic manufacturing partner to potentially avoid tariffs altogether!
Photos: Switchcraft and Conxall electrical components and cable assemblies are made in the United States.
ElectroShield has been an authorized distributor of Conxall® connector components and cable assemblies since 1980 and Switchcraft® products since 1999, when they acquired Conxall.
Not only do Switchcraft/Conxall build nearly all of their products in the USA, they are highly vertically integrated with most of their suppliers also US-based. Our sales team can assist you in determining if a Switchcraft or Conxall product is right for your application and work with you from prototyping, through evaluation, to production. And since components are built here, lead times are favorable compared to many offshore manufacturers.
Here’s a sampling of the Made In USA (COO) Switchcraft/Conxall product series. See all the Switchcraft and Conxall series on our website or contact ElectroShield to discuss other possible viable alternative components.
Switchcraft:
- DC Power Jacks
- XLR
- Audio Jack & Plugs
- Dura-Pull
- EN3
- EP7
- SensorLink
Conxall:
- Maxi-Con-X
- Mega-Con-X
- Micro-Con-X
- Mini-Con-X
- Multi-Con-X
- Mil-E-Qual
3. Invest in a Stocking Program
Having buffer stock on hand is one of the best ways to shield your project from short-term pricing spikes or shipping delays. Ask us about stocking programs tailored to your annual usage.
4. Leverage Pre-Buys Before Tariff Expansions
If your key components are still tariff-free or at lower tariff rates, pre-buying inventory before exemptions expire or tariffs increase can save you a bundle. We can help you plan EAUs, place blanket orders and schedule deliveries aligned with your production timetable.
Adaptability Is the New Advantage
The days of stable, low-cost global sourcing are over—at least for now. But there’s good news, too. With a trusted distribution partner like ElectroShield, you can maintain project continuity, protect your margins, and even uncover new sourcing efficiencies in the process.
We’ve helped hundreds of engineers and purchasing teams navigate supply chain disruptions—and we can help you too.
Connect with our team to assist you in mitigating tariff and supply chain challenges.
