Event report
Past Event: Adapting Supply Chain Strategy in a Volatile Tariff Environment
The French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore was honored to host a highly insightful session on the challenges and opportunities created by evolving tariff landscapes, in collaboration with Schneider Electric, Maersk, and TNETS Global.
Our sincere thank you to our guests:
- Julien Métayer, Global Client Manager, Maersk
- Matthew Bannon, Trade & Customs Senior Consultant, Maersk
- Neil Johnson, Customs and Logistics Compliance Expert, TNETS Global
- Harsha Subnaveeskurupam, Vice President, Network Strategy and Risk, Schneider Electric
- Moderator: Vladimir de Montmarin, Director for Supply Chain, Danone
A special thank you to our co-presidents, Mrs. Ellen Hudreaux and Mr. Vladimir de Montmarin, for their initiative and facilitation.
Mr. Harsha Subnaveeskurupam from Schneider Electric opened the session with an analysis of the geopolitical and policy shifts reshaping global supply chains, highlighting the transition from globalization to regionalized ecosystems and the importance of building structural resilience.
Maersk experts shared market data and customer insights, showing how recent tariff hikes, particularly in the US–China trade war, are driving sourcing diversification and supplier strategies. Their surveys revealed that while most companies reported negative impacts, others identified new opportunities. Businesses are increasingly requesting cost impact forecasts, customs guidance, and sourcing strategy support.
Neil Johnson from TNETS Global emphasized the customs and compliance dimensions of tariffs, from Free Trade Agreement (FTA) certifications to growing scrutiny on origin documentation. He stressed the importance of digital compliance tools, robust processes, and the need to know precisely where products come from.
The heart of the session was a roundtable discussion moderated by Vladimir de Montmarin, bringing participants into an exchange of practical strategies, from supplier diversification and accelerated shipments to scenario planning and total cost optimization.
Key takeaways
- Tariff volatility is here to stay, Companies must embed agility and responsiveness into supply chain design.
- Supplier diversification and regionalization are accelerating, Many firms are shifting to “China plus” or Southeast Asia–based models.
- Data and scenario planning are essential, Tools to track, simulate, and forecast tariff impacts are now critical for decision-making.
- Customs compliance is becoming more complex, Expanded documentation demands and stricter FTA enforcement require robust processes.
- Resilience requires structural change, Beyond tactical fixes, long-term investments in local ecosystems, digital optimization, and talent development are necessary.
For more information about the Supply Chain and Logistics Committee, please contact Jeremy Koch at jkoch(@)fccsingapore.com.
