In a world of rising tariffs, tightened shipping, and lower margins, many ecommerce founders are holding their breath, waiting to see how it all shakes out. That's a risk many can’t afford. 

Clearco’s COO Olivier Grinda recently sat down with Claus Lauter on the Ecommerce Coffee Break podcast to break down how ecommerce brands can stay ahead during these uncertain times. Olivier shares how the shifting market dynamics are impacting ecommerce businesses from all angles and provides actionable strategies and advice on how best to protect their margins, while leveraging flexible capital to continue scaling with confidence.

Tariffs Are Hitting Harder, But They Aren’t New

While tariffs may feel like a recent challenge, the truth is they’ve been influencing global trade and business strategies far longer than many realize. During the episode, Olivier spoke about how tariffs are used as tools of protectionism with governments taxing global imports to boost local industries. This form of protectionism rarely works due to the complexity that global supply chains entail. With increased prices and competition among countries for goods and services, businesses will eventually run into roadblocks when attempting to relocate manufacturers or find local suppliers. Instead, competing on differentiation seems to be more sustainable than relying on policy shifts. 

For ecommerce brands relying on global manufacturers and suppliers,  tariffs will cut directly into their profit margins. As 80% of U.S. ecommerce leaders state tariffs as a moderate to major concern, supply chain uncertainty is forcing founders to make tough decisions. Slimmer margins and shipping chaos are also beginning to create a storm that most ecommerce brands are not prepared for. With the new tariffs, Olivier details how the shipping and logistics industry can expect to see change as well. 

As many major fleets are Chinese-owned, the new international trade dynamic will cause a ripple effect extending beyond the cost of goods, but also leading to higher shipping prices, longer shipping delays, and more. It’s important to note that even half-empty containers will get more expensive for brands. Delays are incoming, and it won’t be evenly distributed. 

The “Wait and See" Mindset Will Cost You

The shifting economic landscape has left ecommerce brands hesitant to make major changes to their operations. By the time tariffs stabilize, it may be too late. Olivier warned that uncertainty is the only certainty, and that waiting for clarity in the evolving situation might be the most dangerous move of all for the sustainability of ecommerce brands.

“This time will pass—but don’t sit back and wait for it. Work within the environment you’re in. Be the bold, decisive entrepreneur who built your brand. Stay mindfully aggressive, take action, and keep moving forward.”

Playing defense simply won’t cut it. As brands wait for the dust to settle, it may already be too late to secure inventory, adjust product pricing, or receive shipments. Ecommerce brands must pull the trigger on bold strategies to stay afloat and be “mindfully aggressive” before the pressure of tariffs surmount. Acting decisively with data driven decisions will prove to protect your brand, not just survive the situation. In the face of rising tariffs, ‘wait and see’ is a losing strategy. The brands that win will be the ones that act by tightening costs, renegotiating with suppliers, and securing capital before it’s too late.

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4 Ways Brands Can Handle Tariff Costs 

With multiple exits behind him and decades navigating global markets, Olivier knows firsthand how fragile supply chains can undermine scale. On the episode he reflected on 4 key ways brands heavily relying on imports can stay in control amid navigating rising costs due to tariffs. 

1. Pass some costs to your customers

Shifting costs on to customers has become the strategic choice for many businesses looking to stay afloat with surging prices due to tariffs. Even major retailers like Walmart have adjusted their prices in light of the pressures. While increasing costs can help ecommerce brands offset the expenses, it may also risk reduced demand by potentially pricing them out of the competitive market or alienating loyal customers. 

2. Eat into your margins

In some cases, absorbing the increased costs from tariffs is another option ecommerce brands may consider.  While this move can help maintain competitiveness and preserve customer loyalty in price-sensitive markets, it often means tightening margins and may not be an option for businesses strapped for cash flow.

3. Negotiate with your manufacturers

Olivier suggests renegotiating payment terms and pricing directly with manufacturers themselves to help mitigate the financial impact. The evolving tariff landscape is causing uncertainty not just for business owners, but throughout the entire supply chain. Many manufacturers are often willing to work with loyal clients to avoid losing potential business partnerships during an already rocky economic time. 

4. Explore new production locations

Relocating or diversifying manufacturing partners to local suppliers or countries with favourable cost structures, such as Vietnam, can help reduce ecommerce businesses' exposure to tariffs and stabilize their finances. In a recent study, Clearco found that 72% of ecommerce businesses are localizing sourcing to mitigate supply chain uncertainties caused by tariffs. However, longer lead times and challenges in matching similar production quality may present obstacles. 

One thing to note is it’s rarely a silver bullet. The reality is most brands will need to combine all four strategies to stay afloat and continue momentum in light of the shifting market. Ecommerce businesses preparing for the impact of tariffs can access tailored strategies to maintain healthy margins and sustain steady growth through a complimentary tariff assessment.

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Control What You Can Control

There’s no playbook for the changing market. What exists is a set of instincts and tools ecommerce founders can leverage to stay ahead, separating the reactive from the resilient. The message for ecommerce brands looking to succeed is clear: this time will pass, but that doesn’t mean you should. 

“Work within the environment you’re in. Be the bold, decisive entrepreneur who built your brand. Stay mindfully aggressive, take action, and keep moving forward.”

To navigate this turbulent reality, ecommerce founders need to embrace a proactive mindset and double down on strategies that give them control.

• Don’t wait for clarity, build towards optionality.
• Move quickly, but not blindly.
• Reframe uncertainty for smarter decision making. 
• Secure capital ahead of peak seasons or shipping slowdowns, but deploy it strategically. 
• Control costs, but don’t freeze your growth. 

Listen to the full episode here:

For those looking to scale amid uncertain times,this  episode of the Ecommerce Coffee Break is a must-listen for brands ecommerce brands navigating tariffs. Now is the time to act proactively, rather than reactively, and those who do will come out on top. 

If you’re ready to take control of your brand’s growth trajectory, explore how Clearco helps ecommerce founders fund growth, on their terms.