Tariff instability isn’t new. What separates resilient brands from reactive ones is the ability to act when the ground is shifting—not after. For ecommerce founders sourcing overseas, delay isn’t a strategy. It’s a risk you can’t afford.

As an example we conceived this post on May 9, 2025. Between conception and publishing the tariff landscape completely changed. On May 12, the U.S. and China announced a 90-day tariff suspension. When the tariff future is unstable it is time to lean in to win. It’s actually a flashing green light to act—especially for brands that understand how tariffs apply to landed goods .

The Advantage Belongs to the Brands Who Were Ready Anyway

The businesses most likely to benefit from tariff relief aren’t responding to the news—they had already taken action.

Before the 90-day U.S.–China suspension was announced, decisions were being made to move forward despite ongoing uncertainty. That meant placing orders, securing freight, and planning for elevated costs without knowing if conditions would improve. These weren’t reactive moves—they were proactive strategies designed to keep operations moving regardless of trade policy.

Now, they’re positioned to win. Their goods are already being produced or are on the water. And thanks to timing—not luck—they’ll land within the tariff relief window.

Margin Management Starts with Proactive Moves

Clear winners and losers will emerge from this tariff shakeout, and those waiting on the sidelines will likely fall into the latter group. Instead of freezing decisions, businesses need to embrace margin management strategies today.

1. Share The Load: Small price increases can be passed to end customers - most will tolerate this if value remains clear.
2. Absorb some of the cost: taking a 10% to 20% haircut on margin hurts but it will be worth keeping your business operating and staying top of mind for your customers. 
3. Negotiate Now: Manufacturers are still open to favorable terms to retain demand. That won’t last if order volumes spike.
4. Secure Freight Early: With freight rates poised to rise, locking in logistics now is a smart hedge.

Clearco has supported founders through market chaos before, and plans to continue now. They haven't pulled back from China because they know smart, well-funded businesses can still win when the environment gets tougher.

Use This Window to Rethink Your Strategy

Clearco’s free Tariff Assessment is designed to turn guesswork into clarity. They evaluate your supply chain, product category, ad performance, and sourcing choices to show how tariffs are really affecting your bottom line.

Whether you’re choosing between two suppliers, confused by rising costs, or looking to protect your margin, our team can help you spot opportunities you didn’t even know you had.

The Bottom Line

Between favorable ad rates, temporarily reduced tariffs, and a brief window of supply chain stability, you have an unusual alignment of advantages right now. However, none will matter if you don’t move.

Inventory, margin management, and supply chain control are strategic levers, not afterthoughts. With Clearco in your corner and a free tariff assessment at your fingertips, you have every reason to act - and no excuse to wait.

Don’t let indecision cost your ecommerce business  growth. It’s time to pivot.