Mounting international trade disputes and the ever-shifting threat of tariffs are adding yet another layer of complexity and uncertainty to global supply chains. But supply chain leaders are not waiting for disruption, they are staying ahead of it.
Instead of reacting in crisis mode, companies are leveraging AI to model disruptions before they happen. With real-time insights, they are making faster, more confident decisions to adjust sourcing, production, and logistics before the impact hits.
Scenario planning surges in times of uncertainty
At Kinaxis, this shift unfolds in real time. Scenario planning through Maestro™, our AI-powered supply chain orchestration platform, has surged⏤a clear sign that companies are moving from passive risk management to proactive adaptation.
Trade uncertainty is not just a risk, it is a stress test for agility. Kinaxis customer data shows a 124% spike in what-if scenario usage after the first U.S. presidential debate, followed by a 112% jump after the White House’s tariff memo. The takeaway? Companies using AI are not just reacting to shifting policies, they are staying ahead of them.
AI-powered scenario planning through Maestro has surged 45% among Kinaxis customers since the new U.S. administration took office. As tariffs reshape global trade, businesses are running millions of real-time what-if scenarios to secure supply, reassess trade routes, and minimize cost exposure before disruptions hit.
The new reality: AI-powered orchestration wins
The data shows us that businesses that fail to embrace AI-driven orchestration will not just struggle, they will fall behind. Trade disruptions are becoming more frequent, and the companies running millions of real-time scenarios through Maestro are not just preparing for change, they are shaping it.
This spike in scenario planning is not new. We saw the same pattern in early 2020, when companies rushed to model pandemic-driven supply chain disruptions.
But today, the mindset has changed. The ability to predict, test, and adapt in real time is what separates leaders from laggards. Companies that continuously model alternative suppliers, nearshoring strategies, pricing adjustments, and logistics shifts will be the ones best positioned for long-term resilience in an increasingly volatile global market.
From uncertainty to agility: Five ways supply chains can stay ahead
Faster decisions with concurrent planning - Tariffs increase costs overnight, yet many companies struggle to react fast enough due to slow, siloed decision making. Concurrent planning connects teams in real time, allowing them to instantly adjust supply, demand, and production. The result? Faster responses to cost increases, supplier risks, and shifting demand.
Align planning and execution to avoid bottlenecks - Planning for tariffs is not enough if execution falls behind. Too often, companies develop pricing and procurement strategies but fail to implement them in time. Aligning S&OP (strategic planning) with S&OE (real-time execution) ensures that cost fluctuations trigger immediate adjustments across procurement, logistics, and production, keeping supply chains responsive, not reactive.
Predict and prevent tariff costs with AI - AI-powered forecasting, real-time trade data, and cost modeling help businesses anticipate supplier price increases, optimize sourcing, and adjust pricing strategies before disruptions escalate. Predicting tariff costs before they hit creates a major competitive advantage.
Diversify sourcing and inventory to reduce risk - A single-source supplier strategy may have been cost-effective before tariffs, but today, it is a serious liability. New tariffs can make certain suppliers or regions financially unviable overnight. Smart companies expand supplier networks, nearshore production, and rebalance inventory levels to stay flexible while minimizing cost impact.
Build a supply chain center of excellence for long-term agility - Tariffs are not isolated events, they often lead to ongoing trade negotiations, counter-tariffs, and shifting regulations. Companies that continuously refine supply chain processes, adopt AI-driven planning, and improve execution speed will stay ahead of future disruptions. A supply chain Center of Excellence ensures businesses do not just react to trade shifts, they build lasting agility. The best supply chains do not just recover from disruption, they get stronger.
What comes next?
As more companies assess their tariff exposure, AI-driven orchestration is shifting from a competitive advantage to a survival necessity. Companies that simulate, adapt, and execute in real time will not just keep up, they will outmaneuver disruption and take the lead.
At Kinaxis, we do not just help businesses react, we empower them to stay ahead of uncertainty with real-time AI-powered orchestration. The future of supply chain agility is already here. Are you ready?
See how Kinaxis can transform your supply chain.