Supply Chain Optimizers
Don't Just Survive: How to Thrive in the Tariffs & Trade Shifts
September 18, 2025
How can businesses thrive when global trade policies are in constant flux? Host Diego Solorzano sits down with Kyle Peacock, Principal at Peacock Tariff Consulting, to unpack the complexities of tariffs, shifting regulations, and sourcing strategies. From leveraging AI and machine learning to understanding the rise of "micro-sourcing," Kyle reveals actionable strategies that help companies balance cost savings with resilience. He also explores how regional trade blocs and CUSMA certification are reshaping the future of North American manufacturing. Whether local or global, this conversation equips leaders to navigate international trade and sourcing with confidence.
How can businesses thrive when global trade policies are in constant flux?

Host Diego Solorzano sits down with Kyle Peacock, Principal at Peacock Tariff Consulting, to unpack the complexities of tariffs, shifting regulations, and sourcing strategies. From leveraging AI and machine learning to understanding the rise of "micro-sourcing," Kyle reveals actionable strategies that help companies balance cost savings with resilience. He also explores how regional trade blocs and CUSMA certification are reshaping the future of North American manufacturing. Whether local or global, this conversation equips leaders to navigate international trade and sourcing with confidence.

What you will learn:


Kyle Peacock is the Principal at Peacock Tariff Consulting, where he specializes in helping businesses navigate complex trade regulations and optimize their global supply chains. With over two decades of experience in international trade, including significant tenure at industry leaders like Nestlé and Wrigley's, he brings deep expertise in tariff optimization and trade compliance. His work focuses particularly on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in managing international trade complexities and uncovering cost savings opportunities.

Key Highlights:


Kyle reveals how the biggest impact of recent trade policies has been the element of unpredictability, with tariffs now being implemented immediately versus the previous 6-8 month notice period. Companies are struggling to react strategically, often overreacting to tweets or following crowd behavior rather than analyzing their specific situation. This uncertainty has led many businesses to halt investments and stockpile cash while they wait for clarity. The solution lies in developing company-specific strategies rather than following one-size-fits-all approaches. Smart businesses are using this challenge to become more efficient and resilient by reviewing their entire operations.


Companies are being forced to make tough decisions between maintaining product variety and ensuring profitability under tariff pressures. A fascinating example is retailers reducing their SKU count, like going from 15 to 5 product variants to minimize changeover costs and maintain margins. The decision often comes down to company values: some prioritize customer choice even at lower profits, while others focus purely on profitability. This trend is particularly visible in holiday inventory planning, where retailers are carrying fewer variants but maintaining quick-response capabilities for popular items. 


AI and machine learning are becoming critical tools for companies navigating tariff complexities and capacity constraints. The technology allows businesses to analyze massive datasets to identify efficiency opportunities that humans might miss, from optimizing batch processes to improving shift scheduling. Virtual manufacturing simulations powered by AI help companies test different scenarios without real-world risks. The impact is particularly valuable for smaller companies expanding into new markets who need to quickly scale operations. Companies embracing these tools are seeing significantly faster improvements in cost reduction and output optimization.


A major shift is occurring from single-source strategies to "micro-sourcing" networks with multiple smaller suppliers across different regions. This approach allows companies to rapidly shift production between countries in response to tariffs, transportation issues, or geopolitical tensions. The strategy requires sophisticated coordination but provides much greater supply chain resilience. Companies can maintain production even when one region faces challenges by quickly scaling up alternate suppliers.

Episode Resources:



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