Last week, the U.S. imposed an additional 10% tariffs on imports from China, with 25% tariffs on goods from Canada in Mexico delayed for 30 days, leaving businesses little time to adjust.

Whilst this is dominating headlines, we’re not here to buy into the noise. We’re here to talk principles, and how to future-proof your business to thrive regardless of external factors.

Having navigated major economic shifts and global supply chains for the world’s top luxury brands and a combined two decades in business, we’ve seen firsthand that businesses reliant on external economies are always the first to feel the impact.

The leaders who thrive - regardless of market conditions - build resilience within their own internal economy.

This is nothing new - here’s the cycle

Every time the market shifts, businesses react. Some adapt and thrive, whilst others struggle to keep up.

This is the pattern:

Rising costs (tariffs, inflation, and other increases) lead to:

Price pressures → forcing businesses to either absorb costs (hitting margins) or pass them on to consumers (slowing spending/demand).

Operational instability → as companies look for new suppliers, alternative markets, or different pricing models.

Weaknesses exposed → Those too reliant on a single supplier, market, or economy are hit hardest.

The businesses that thrive are the ones that design a resilient economy from the inside out.

Build a Business That Thrives In Any Economy

Diversify supply chains – The strongest businesses don’t rely on one supplier or country. Spreading out your suppliers mitigates risk.

Expand beyond a single market – If one market contracts, you still have revenue from others. If all your revenue is tied to one customer, country or economy, any change could change everything overnight.

Focus on direct to consumer - Owning your customer relationships gives you greater influence as your can adjust pricing, offer incentives, and control sales.

Leverage strategic partnerships – Collaborate with businesses in different regions that complement your business to create new opportunities.

Optimise profitability – competing on price alone is a race to the bottom. Build demand, value, and exclusivity.

What’s Your Next Move?

Identify areas you may be over-reliant on suppliers, countries, markets, or customers.

Find opportunities to expand beyond these.

Add more value to increase demand and pricing power.

The businesses that control their market, supply chains, and revenue streams don’t wait for the right conditions. They create them.

Let’s create your own thriving economy.

Charlotte & John

Business Scale Academy

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