Trump 2.0: How Supply Chain Leaders Can Prepare for Disruption

A Q & A with Mike Landry, CEO, ketteQ, and Chris Amet, CTO, ketteQ

With the inauguration behind us, the potential policy shifts under a second Trump administration are already stirring conversations with supply chain leaders across industries. From reshoring mandates to trade renegotiations, supply chains are once again in the spotlight as businesses prepare for potential disruption.  

I had the opportunity to sit down with Mike Landry, CEO, and Chris Amet, CTO of ketteQ, for a lively discussion about the Trump administration’s policies. This led to me writing this blog post to share their invaluable insights.

Q: What supply chain disruptions are businesses most likely to face under Trump’s second term?

Mike Landry: “The most immediate challenges will likely revolve around tariffs, trade renegotiations, and reshoring pressures. These policies could force organizations to reassess their sourcing strategies and distribution networks, while also dealing with rising costs and potential supply constraints.”

The following are a few real world challenges Mike shared during our discussion:

• Tariffs and Trade Wars: Companies importing electronics or automotive parts from Asia could face sudden tariff hikes, making their current cost structures unsustainable.

• Reshoring Mandates: A manufacturing business relying on low-cost production in Mexico might need to shift operations back to the U.S., requiring investment in domestic facilities and workforce training.

• Restricted Supply Chains: Agriculture exporters could encounter new quotas or restrictions, disrupting their ability to fulfill overseas contracts.

Mike emphasized that going forward, flexible, proactive, and adaptive supply chain planning systems are no longer optional—they’re essential. “Companies relying on outdated, reactive strategies and processes will struggle to stay ahead,” he added. “Organizations need to embrace adaptive planning to make informed decisions in real time.”

Q: From a technology standpoint, why do traditional planning processes struggle with this level of unpredictability?

Chris Amet: “Legacy planning systems simply weren’t designed for today’s volatile environment,” Chris explained. “They operate on static outdated assumptions and architectures that can’t handle the complexity of shifting trade policies or fluctuating supply and demand without massive manual effort.”

For instance, a company facing unpredictable tariff changes may not be able to reroute its supply chain effectively if it relies on spreadsheets or rules and parameters set up at the time of a go live.

How ketteQ Helps:

“From day one, we build our planning system from the ground up to be flexible, proactive, adaptable and scalable”. “Our PolymatiQ solver can run thousands of simulations simultaneously,” Chris highlighted. “This allows the application to first evaluate multiple outcomes and identify the most viable solutions in the face of uncertainty.”

For example:

• A U.S. apparel company can simulate the impact of moving production from China to Vietnam and weigh cost, capacity, lead time, and inventory implications automatically.

• A food distributor can predict the effects of new import restrictions and adjust procurement to ensure consistent supply with massive manual work.

Q: What steps can companies take today to future-proof their supply chains?

Mike Landry: “The first step is embracing scenario-based planning,” Mike advised. “Organizations need a planning system that allow them to test different outcomes and understand the implications of various policy changes.”

Real-World Examples of Proactive Strategies:

• A global electronics company might model the effects of a tariff on semiconductor imports, using ketteQ to find alternate sourcing regions and avoid production delays.

• A retailer facing reshoring mandates can use ketteQ to evaluate how shifting distribution centers to the U.S. effects transportation costs and delivery times.

Mike also stressed the importance of:

• Diversifying sourcing strategies: Moving away from single-region dependency to mitigate geopolitical risks.

• Improving visibility: Gaining real-time insights into supplier inventory and production statuses.

• Reskilling employees: Training staff to manage new supply chain technologies and processes.

Q: What role does advanced technology play in achieving adaptability?

Chris Amet: “Technology is the backbone of adaptability,” Chris stated. “Solutions like ketteQ’s PolymatiQ solver empower organizations to transition from reactive planning to proactive decision-making.

For example:

• A U.S.-based manufacturer threatened by raw material shortages can use ketteQ to forecast demand fluctuations, simulate alternate sourcing, and adjust inventory levels in real-time.

• A logistics company grappling with border delays can leverage predictive analytics to reroute shipments dynamically.

Chris noted, “Our solver doesn’t just simulate outcomes; it seeks out and adapts to changing conditions, ensuring businesses are always prepared for what comes next.”

Q: Can you share examples of businesses that successfully built resilience in uncertain environments?

Mike Landry: “Absolutely. Companies like Trimble, Coca-Cola Japan, NCR Voyix, and Carrier have leveraged adaptive planning to navigate disruptions successfully.

For instance:

• Carrier used ketteQ to improve forecast accuracy and responsiveness, enabling it to react swiftly to changing market dynamics.

• NCR Voyix improved forecasting and streamlined demand planning, enhancing on-time delivery and driving revenue growth.

Chris Amet: “Cosmetica Labs is another great example. They used ketteQ to manage the uncertainty of new product launches, achieving better predictability and production efficiency. In a second Trump term, businesses will need this level of agility to thrive.”

Q: What are the key takeaways for supply chain leaders as they prepare for the next four years?

Mike Landry: “Preparation is everything. Prioritize strategic planning, diversify operations, and invest in your workforce. The policies we’re likely to see in Trump 2.0 will require businesses to be more agile and forward-thinking than ever before.”

Chris Amet: “From a technology perspective, it’s time to embrace software solutions that can handle complexity and change,” Chris emphasized. “Adaptive planning isn’t just about surviving disruptions; it’s about turning them into opportunities for growth.”

Conclusion

As we look ahead to the potential impacts of Trump’s second term, the message is clear: adaptability is the new competitive advantage. By leveraging advanced technology and prioritizing strategic preparation, organizations can navigate disruptions and emerge stronger.

For those ready to embrace adaptive planning, ketteQ’s solutions are designed to meet the challenges of today’s volatile landscape and prepare businesses for whatever comes next.

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