Who’s Ready for Whatever Madness 2026 Will Bring?

In this week’s Roar: The impact of 2025 on supply chains, preparing for the Supreme Court decision, the state of the U.S.-EU tariff battle, getting ready for 2026, and the OUTLOOK for Q1.

First, a tariff update: On New Year’s Eve, President Trump issued a proclamation delaying increases in tariffs on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities for another year. Read the notice here.

In 2025, supply chains took a wild ride as Trump tariffs, geopolitics, labor strikes, and even wildfires shook up global trade. Tougher U.S. trade policies kept everyone guessing, disrupting business with Mexico and Canada and triggering import surges at big ports. Strikes and natural disasters added to the headaches. Companies scrambled to keep goods moving and rethink their strategies, showing just how unpredictable international trade can be. The question we’re all asking is: will what’s in store for 2026 top it?

Importers who’ve paid IEEPA tariffs should start prepping in case the Supreme Court throws them out. That decision could come in the next few weeks, if not days. Having said that, don’t expect automatic refunds, because even if tariffs are ruled invalid, getting your money back could mean jumping through legal hoops, and if your shipments are close to liquidation, you’ll need to act fast. Check your entry dates, talk to your customs broker, and stay ready for the next steps.

Despite the headlines of a deal, the U.S. and EU still haven’t settled their trade and digital regulation battles. The U.S. still imposes steep tariffs on European steel, cars, even olive oil and pasta, hurting European exporters. Meanwhile, the EU is cracking down on U.S. tech giants with strict digital rules and big fines. Both sides want a deal, but so far, talks have mostly stalled, and businesses on both continents are still facing significant uncertainty.

For many in the supply chain, getting ready for 2026 means becoming more practical with planning and staying aware of what’s to come. Trade policy swings and legal changes, like the pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs, could disrupt supply chain planning and execution for years to come. Rethinking risk management is also important as regulations and trade rules keep changing. And when it comes to saving money, companies are streamlining sourcing and operations, using better data and tech to drive real cost reductions and stronger margins.

What’s the industry OUTLOOK for 2026? The headlines say it’s changing trade lanes, the Red Sea opening, and tariff uncertainty. For U.S. shippers, the latest Logistics Manager’s Index (55.7) is at its lowest since June 2024, but it’s still showing expansion, highlighting how the U.S. logistics market is shifting. Warehousing is finally loosening, but transportation prices are rising, so fresh strategies are needed. Government Risk levels remain high, with tariffs, inflation, and regulatory changes top of mind.

For the rest of the week’s top shipping news, check out the article highlights below.