Strategy & Horizon Scannning

Christopher Salmon

Chief Executive

Whether it’s hiring services online or buying goods from across the globe, the internet has revolutionised the way we do business, opening up vast opportunities for US businesses in the global market.

With businesses no longer bound to a physical store, UK consumers can quickly and easily purchase goods from the United States. Online eCommerce platforms have also streamlined online business with features like integrated payment, shipping, and customer service.

But while establishing your own online store in the UK may seem easy, expanding your existing business from the US to the UK comes with its own set of challenges.

In this article, we’ll explore the topic of establishing a successful eCommerce business in the UK as a US entity. We’ll provide some tips on identifying a profitable business idea and touch on some key considerations for entering the UK market, including shipping and logistics, customs compliance, and finding the right eCommerce platform.

What is an eCommerce Business?

eCommerce (electronic commerce) refers to the buying and selling of goods or services over the internet, and can include a wide range of online transactions. eCommerce businesses sell anything from apparel to digital products like online courses and educational materials.

For example, “eCommerce” can be when UK consumers purchase products online from US companies. Or it can take place when consumers buy products from each other through online auctions like eBay. 

eCommerce has revolutionised the way businesses operate, as any business can easily reach a global customer base, which simply isn’t possible with brick and mortar stores.

Overview of the UK Online Marketplace

The UK has long been a leader in eCommerce. Online sales in the UK reached £129 billion in 2021, a 15% increase from the previous year. These eCommerce trends are projected to continue, with the UK expecting to have 50 million eCommerce users in 2024.

This growth in eCommerce has been driven by a tech-savvy population, widespread internet access, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the shift towards online shopping. Some of the most popular product categories in the UK online retail include:

  • Clothing and footwear
  • Food
  • Beauty Products
  • Electronics (eg mobile devices)
  • Home and garden items

Starting an Online Store in the UK as a US Entity

Whether you want to enter the global apparel market or sell subscription boxes to UK consumers, starting an eCommerce business in the UK as a US entity takes considerable research, planning, and action. Here are the basic steps a US entity should take to establish an eCommerce business in the UK:

Explore eCommerce Business Models

Before launching your eCommerce business and starting to sell products to UK consumers, it’s crucial to select a business model that aligns with the needs and preferences of the UK market. The choice of online business model will determine your target audience, marketing strategies, and overall operations.

When exploring eCommerce business ideas, the three main business models to consider are:

Business-to-Consumer (B2C): The B2C model, the most common eCommerce model, is when eCommerce stores make direct sales to individual consumers. This approach allows US businesses to reach a wide range of UK consumers, but it also requires a strong focus on customer experience, marketing efforts, and logistics to compete with UK retailers established in electronic commerce.

An example of a B2C eCommerce business would be a US online clothing business that sells apparel to consumers in the UK.

Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C): Consumer-to-consumer is when consumers sell goods and services directly to other consumers, often through online marketplaces. C2C can be an attractive option for US businesses looking to tap into the growing UK peer-to-peer economy, but it could require significant effort to effectively market your online store and build trust with UK consumers who may already prefer local businesses and trusted online marketplaces.

Business-to-Business (B2B): In a B2B model, an eCommerce business sells goods and services to other businesses, such as wholesalers, retailers, or other commercial entities. The B2B market in the UK is well-developed, and this model can offer more stable and predictable revenue streams, but it may also require more specialised sales and marketing strategies.

Carefully considering the pros and cons of each business model, as well as the specific needs and preferences of your target customers, will help you choose the most suitable approach for your online store.

Research eCommerce Business Ideas

Market research is an essential step for generating business ideas or an eCommerce website. Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape, identifying gaps and emerging e-commerce trends in the UK. Use market research tools and customer data to understand consumer preferences, buying behaviours, and popular niche products that you could sell on your own eCommerce website.

When trying to develop a business idea, carefully consider factors such as demand, pricing, shipping costs, and potential regulatory requirements. This research will help you identify the most promising product or service that is likely to resonate with UK consumers, leading to a profitable eCommerce business idea.

Register your Business

When a US-based eCommerce business expands to the UK, it may need to register with the relevant government agencies. The requirements for registering a business differ depending on the nature of the business.

For example, US eCommerce businesses that also plan on establishing a physical presence in the UK may need to register with Companies House, the UK’s registrar of companies.

Additionally, you may need to register for a UK business license, depending on the nature of your operations. Familiarising yourself with the specific requirements for your business is crucial to ensuring smooth business operations in the UK and avoiding fines for non-compliance.

Comply with Legal Requirements

To operate an eCommerce business in the UK, US entities must consider the legal requirements set out by the relevant government agencies. 

Some of these legal requirements include:

Consider Taxation and VAT

One of the biggest challenges for US online stores entering the UK market is understanding and complying with the country’s tax system set out by the relevant government agencies. US businesses selling in the UK market must register for and pay UK value-added tax (VAT), which is a consumption tax levied on most goods and services.

The VAT registration threshold is currently £85,000, and US businesses must charge VAT on all applicable sales to UK customers. Additionally, US eCommerce businesses must become familiar with other tax obligations, such as corporate income tax and employment taxes, to ensure their business is fully compliant.

When US businesses sell products in the UK, they may also have to pay an import tax. 

H3: Establish Shipping and Logistics

The standard of shipping service is high in the UK, as UK customers have come to expect fast, affordable, and seamless delivery of online purchases. Any delays or complications can quickly erode customer trust and satisfaction.

This makes shipping and logistics one of the most significant eCommerce challenges. US eCommerce businesses expanding to the UK must ensure efficient and reliable shipping and logistics operations.

Navigating the complexities of international shipping, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery can sometimes be a significant challenge for US eCommerce businesses – so it’s worth doing sufficient research beforehand, and investing in professional assistance.

H2: Choosing the Best eCommerce Platform

Choosing the right eCommerce platform can significantly impact the success of your eCommerce store. 

For a US eCommerce business looking to expand to the UK, it’s essential to compare various eCommerce platforms and make a decision that will make eCommerce profitable.

Essential Features of eCommerce Platforms

The platform you select for your eCommerce store should offer features that allow you to:

  • Easily manage product catalogs
  • Process orders
  • Handle customer inquiries
  • Manage inventory
  • Access reporting and analytics capabilities

Through these features, US eCommerce stores can sell products online to UK audiences more efficiently, handle their internal operations, and monitor the success of their business online.

Mobile Optimisation

Businesses selling online should not underestimate the importance of mobile commerce. In 2023, roughly 56% of eCommerce retail sales in the UK were made through mobile devices.

To take advantage of mobile eCommerce trends, your eCommerce platform should offer a seamless, responsive user experience that makes selling products on smart devices easy. Building an eCommerce storefront that functions on mobile devices should let businesses optimise:

  • Product pages
  • Checkout processes
  • Navigation for mobile users

eCommerce platforms with built-in mobile-friendly design features can help ensure your UK customers have a positive shopping experience, regardless of the device they use.

Integrated Payment Gateways

To cater to the preferences of UK consumers who shop online, US eCommerce sellers should also choose a platform that integrates with a wide range of popular payment gateways, such as Stripe, Square, and PayPal, as well as local UK options like Klarna.

Shipping Options

Shipping is one of the biggest challenges of selling online in the UK. Therefore, the eCommerce platform you choose should allow for easy integration with shipping carriers and services, enabling you to offer a variety of delivery options to UK customers, from standard ground shipping to expedited delivery.

Start Making eCommerce Sales in the UK 

For US-based eCommerce businesses looking to enter the UK market, navigating the complexities of international trade and customs can be a daunting task. This is where the expertise of clearBorder can prove invaluable.

clearBorder’s unparalleled knowledge of UK import and export regulations can help your eCommerce business overcome the challenges of customs clearance and ensure your products reach UK customers on time. Our team of experts can provide comprehensive training and resources to your US business, helping you ship your products to UK customers with confidence.

With clearBorder’s expert customs compliance support, you can reduce the risk of delays, errors, or unexpected fees when importing your goods into the UK. With comprehensive shipping and customs support, you can increase the efficiency of your UK operations and ensure your UK customers have a positive online shopping experience and reliable delivery.

Contact clearBorder for expert guidance in expanding your US eCommerce business to the UK.

Other interesting reads

Visit Our Insights Hub
Strategy & Horizon Scannning

Steel and Aluminium at a Crossroads: Supply Chains, Tariff Wars, Business Impacts

  TLDR 2025 reshaped steel and aluminium supply chains. U.S. tariffs, EU uncertainty, and Chinese overcapacity have all driven structural rerouting, pricing instability, and compliance pressure. Businesses elevating metals sourcing to a strategic capability – with stronger origin assurance, supplier governance, and scenario planning – typically outperform competitors in terms of resilience, cost control, and market access. Firms will need to adapt to preserve their position and competitiveness. 2025 saw the sharpest escalation in metals-trade interventions since the original, President Trump-era Section 232 measures, in 2018. What began as a series of “targeted” moves early in 2025 has evolved into a multi-jurisdictional reset, touching tariffs, origin rules, industrial policy, and supply chain governance. For global businesses reliant on steel and aluminium, this will represent a fundamental shift in operations and market position. Steel and aluminium are systemic commodities. They underpin every major industrial value chain: automotive, aerospace, defence, energy infrastructure, construction, household appliances, and large consumer goods. When trade conditions tighten around these materials, the shockwaves propagate quickly: rising input costs, margin compression, delayed production cycles, and forced redesign of sourcing strategies. Several trigger events collided in 2025: In May 2025, the U.S. raised tariffs to 50% on a wide range of steel and aluminium categories, materially altering the economics of imports. By Q4, Washington introduced tightened melt-and-pour origin rules, significantly raising the bar for compliance and due diligence. Meanwhile, the EU remained locked in slow-moving negotiations with the U.S. on tariff-rate quotas, while simultaneously confronting the long-running challenge of Chinese overcapacity depressing European prices. China’s own pricing volatility (driven by subsidised overproduction and domestic demand swings) continue to distort global markets. Taken together, developments like these show that steel and aluminium supply chains are not experiencing a temporary disruption – they are undergoing a deeper, structural reorganisation. Businesses will need to adapt to preserve their position and competitiveness. Why this matters Global metals policy is moving faster than most supply chains can adjust. The 50% U.S. tariffs, melt-and-pour rules, EU safeguard activity, and China’s continued overproduction are reshaping sourcing and pricing across entire industries. For manufacturers and importers, this is not just a cost issue; it’s a governance, compliance, and competitiveness issue. How firms respond will determine whether they stay ahead of regulatory pressure, or become ensnared in a rapidly tightening enforcement environment. Expert guidance on international trade Contact clearBorder today →  How tariffs reshape global flows The 50% U.S. tariffs  Under the administration of President Trump, the U.S.’s move to increase tariffs to 50% on a wide range of steel and aluminium products marked a pivot in metals trade. The measures affect core inputs such as semi-finished steel, rolled products, extrusions, and several aluminium categories. Downstream products such as cars, domestic appliances, and industrial machinery are increasingly examined for the embedded origin of their metal content. The tariff shock has created three immediate consequences: Domestic inflation in U.S. metals markets. Manufacturers face significantly higher input costs, prompting either price rises or margin erosion. Redirected flows from Asia to Europe. Exporters seeking to avoid U.S. duties have diverted excess supply toward the EU, exacerbating oversupply conditions and placing further pressure on European producers. A new compliance burden for global exporters. The tightened melt-and-pour rules raise the risk of inadvertent non-compliance. Trans-shipment scrutiny has increased; origin validation is now a core operational requirement. EU’s dilemma The EU finds itself between a rock and a hard place. On one side are slow, uncertain EU–U.S. negotiations on tariff-rate quotas and metals cooperation frameworks; on the other is intensifying pressure from the steel lobby to protect European producers from diverted Asian supply after the U.S. tariff shock. European manufacturers face irregular and unpredictable input costs, complicating price setting, inventory planning, and long-term contracting. The EU’s Green Deal Industrial Plan adds further complexity, as imported metals are essential for its energy-transition ambitions, yet those same imports now threaten domestic competitiveness. The overcapacity question China’s long-standing overcapacity issue remains the gravitational centre of global metals instability. Production levels continue to exceed domestic demand, pushing subsidised excess onto global markets and driving renewed price volatility. This places other jurisdictions in a defensive posture. European and U.S. producers have reported intensified undercutting; Asian and Latin American manufacturers face narrowing margins; and developing economies risk deeper dependence on low-cost Chinese supply. Beijing may consider retaliatory measures, or deepen its alignment with Global South partners (such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand in Southeast Asia, or members of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) to mitigate against Western trade interventions. Either path would add new layers of complexity to an already fragmented global steel and aluminium market. Re-routing, re-pricing, re-risking How supply chains are responding The reshaping of steel and aluminium trade is visible in operational patterns, with supply chains reorganising at pace. Businesses are re-routing in order to defend margin and meet compliance thresholds. According to emerging reports, Asian-origin metals that previously flowed into the U.S. are being diverted toward Europe, Turkey, and the Middle East. European manufacturers, in turn, are exploring alternative inputs from India, Brazil, and the Gulf to avoid the tariff spillover effects. This repositioning may also trigger changes in logistics: greater use of east-west routes into the EU, potentially more inventory buffering, and in some sectors (such as automotive and machinery) a shift toward nearshoring for critical components. Cost structures are being re-priced globally. The U.S. tariff shock has lifted domestic prices sharply, while excess supply has depressed segments of the European market. Producers in China and Southeast Asia have adjusted export strategies in real time, offering deeper discounts to maintain throughput. For buyers, this creates a two-speed market: inflationary in the U.S., deflationary or erratic elsewhere. Long-term contracts are harder to negotiate, and index-linked pricing is seeing a resurgence. Perhaps most importantly, supply chains are being re-risked. Compliance is now inseparable from commercial decision-making – a cheap tonne of steel that ultimately fails melt-and-pour verification is a liability, not a saving. Manufacturers are mapping exposure at a deeper level than before, tracing inputs back to smelters (not mills), and stress-testing for tariff escalation or port inspections. Insurance markets are responding too, with new language around origin risk and misdeclaration liability appearing in trade credit and marine cargo policies. Rising compliance complexity The enforcement of the U.S. melt-and-pour rule is proving to be one of the most consequential compliance developments. By requiring origin to be established at the smelting stage – not the final manufacturing stage – regulators have effectively redrawn the documentation burden for the entire value chain. Finished goods manufacturers, especially in automotive, appliances, construction products, and machinery, must now evidence multi-layered provenance to avoid penalties or shipment holds. This comes alongside broader tightening: The EU is advancing anti-circumvention probes and designing new safeguard mechanisms around diverted Asian supply Tariff-rate quota negotiations with the U.S. remain uncertain, complicating long-term planning The UK faces a hybrid challenge: exporters into the U.S. or EU must meet foreign origin standards and navigate domestic decarbonisation requirements shaping the future of UK steelmaking For business boardrooms, this translates into elevated expectations around: Proving origin at smelter level Supplier vetting across multiple jurisdictions End-to-end documentation capable of withstanding audits Horizon scanning for tariff escalation and market fragmentation Avoiding unintentional trans-shipment exposure, especially in multi-country routing models Implications for business Cost structures will remain unstable for the near term. U.S. tariffs have created inflationary pressure domestically; Europe is facing oversupply; and Chinese volatility continues to inject uncertainty into global reference prices. Businesses should anticipate continued dual-market dynamics throughout 2026. Compliance risk has moved from operational to existential. The melt-and-pour rule, EU safeguard mechanisms, and intensified anti-circumvention enforcement mean that the regulatory exposure of a single misclassified input far exceeds the cost of the input itself. Boardrooms increasingly view origin assurance as part of corporate governance, not logistics. Supply chain strategy is entering a redesign phase. Nearshoring and multi-regional sourcing are gaining momentum Dual or triple sourcing for steel and aluminium is becoming standard in automotive, engineering, and construction Inventory models are shifting from just-in-time to strategic buffering Quality and compliance maturity are becoming as important as price when selecting a supplier Commercial positioning is changing, too. Companies that can evidence clean origin, stable sourcing, and strong governance are positioned to outperform competitors in tenders – particularly with OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) facing strict regulatory exposure of their own. For some sectors, metals compliance is now a competitive differentiator. The last word Steel and aluminium have always been essential industrial inputs, but in the current climate, they’ve become a barometer of global economic and geopolitical tension. Tariffs, origin rules, and enforcement actions are all actively reshaping supply chains, capital allocation, and competitiveness. The businesses equipped to succeed in this environment treat metals not simply as commodities to be purchased, but as strategic exposures to be governed. This means that decision-makers have visibility deeper than tier-one suppliers; they can evidence origin at smelt stage. They plan for tariff escalation; not react to it. And they embed compliance into commercial decision-making. Early, proactive movement will help protect against price shocks, audit interventions, and market-access constraints, as the next phase of trade policy unfolds. For manufacturers, importers, and exporters, the question is not whether to adapt, but how quickly. The former era of (relatively) stable and predictable metals flows is over – strategic readiness is now the defining commercial advantage. For trade advisory tailored to your business and its operations Contact the clearBorderteam today → 

Steel and Aluminium at a Crossroads: Supply Chains, Tariff Wars, Business Impacts
Strategy & Horizon Scannning

Introducing our new podcast series ‘Borders for the Boardroom’

“Borders for the Boardroom” is a podcast series brought to you by the team at clearBorder. In these short episodes, we introduce you to all things trade and borders providing an insight and understanding that you may not have had before. We hope that this means when you return to your business you have a greater knowledge of the impact and challenges borders and trade will have on your organisation, as well as the opportunities available to perhaps do things differently, reduce risk and continue to grow. Each podcast introduces a new topic, led by one of the clearBorder team of experts. We hope you enjoy it. If you want to continue the conversation or have any questions then do get in touch with us at info@clearborder.co.uk. We’ll see you next time. Produced and edited by Yada Yada. Listen here: Spotify  |  Apple

Introducing our new podcast series ‘Borders for the Boardroom’
Strategy & Horizon Scannning

A fragile reset? What the US–China tariff truce means for cross-border trade strategies in 2026

In late October 2025, a diplomatic thaw between Washington and Beijing produced a narrowly scoped trade “pause” – a tactical (and temporary) easing of the headline tensions which have dominated the trade-sphere in recent months.  The agreement trimmed select U.S. tariff categories (for example, halving certain fentanyl-related duties), and opened the door to resumed Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans; while Beijing signalled a conditional scaling back of some export controls on rare earth elements.  For boardrooms, this pause buys time for resilience-building; what it does not do is remove structural levers that can reignite escalation. China retains decisive market power over rare earths and refining capacity, and Beijing’s export restrictions – introduced and then expanded in October 2025 – remain a latent threat to industries from EV batteries to defence suppliers. Financial and commodity markets treated the announcement as tentative: rare-earth prices and equities briefly eased, but analysts warned supplies and stocks could re-tighten if the geopolitical headwinds shifted.  Meanwhile, political and legal fault-lines persist in Washington. The administration’s tariff authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) is the subject of active judicial scrutiny at the U.S. Supreme Court; justices heard oral arguments on 5 November 2025 and raised serious questions about executive reach. A negative ruling could remove a major instrument of U.S. trade policy – or force the administration to pivot to other statutory levers. That legal uncertainty compounds the truce’s fragility.    Why this matters The US–China tariff truce offers a temporary pause, not lasting certainty. For boardrooms and global supply chain teams, understanding the risks, monitoring key signals, and proactively planning for multiple outcomes is critical to maintaining stability, protecting margins, and mitigating the operational and strategic impacts of potential renewed escalation.   More on the U.S., China, South Korea, and what trade talks mean for you: → Borders for the Boardroom: Sean Miner on the US-China trade deal Listen now on Spotify and Apple Music What changed in October 2025… and what didn’t What changed Targeted tariff adjustments and commitments. In the late-October negotiations, U.S. officials said certain tariff lines tied to fentanyl precursor chemicals would be halved – from 20% to 10% – lowering the headline U.S. tariff burden on Chinese imports by a reported few percentage points overall. The talks also included commitments for a sizeable uptick in Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans (Treasury officials cited a figure in the region of 12 million metric tonnes for the season). It’s likely these moves were partially influenced by the U.S. administration’s desire to appease what it sees as a core voter base of workers and farmers. A temporary easing of export control pressure. Beijing signalled it would pause, or at least temper, certain enforcement actions tied to rare-earth export controls, helping to calm thin but critical supply lines for some manufacturers. Markets interpreted the message as conditional rather than permanent, and subsequent industry commentary urged caution.  Regional tariff alignment moves. The U.S. also reached or reaffirmed tariff understandings with regional partners (notably arrangements that set some levies for Japan and South Korea at lower bands), reshaping near-term trade exposure for particular sectors such as autos and shipbuilding. Those regional moves probably form part of a broader attempt to compartmentalise tensions and avoid a wider regional fallout.  What didn’t change The strategic rivalry remains. The truce is tactical. China’s longer-term industrial strategy – including control over mining, processing and refining of many rare earths – has not been reversed. Beijing’s October 2025 expansion of export controls (adding multiple elements and equipment to control lists) shows the country still possesses structural levers that could be re-deployed if negotiations sour.  Legal and policy uncertainty in Washington. The Supreme Court review of IEEPA-based tariff authority introduces a material policy risk. If the Court constrains presidential power to impose broad tariffs, the administration may have to pivot to other mechanisms (e.g., Section 232, Trade Act tools) with different political, legal and operational implications. In short; the legal basis that enabled the rapid imposition of duties early in 2025 is not guaranteed to persist.  Domestic market realities limit quick wins. Beijing’s promise to increase U.S. soybean purchases was electorally useful for the U.S. administration, perhaps, but agricultural market signals suggest China’s immediate buying capacity may be limited by inventory and crush-margin dynamics. Reuters reports flag a soybean stock overhang that may constrain near-term purchases.  The net effect At least in the immediate future, the October ‘tariff truce’ reduces the near-term political temperature: selected tariff lines were eased, some procurement resumed, and short-term market volatility abated.  But – the structural levers that create systemic risk (rare-earth dominance, legal uncertainty over tariff authority, and the political incentives that drive tit-for-tat measures) remain very much alive.  For business leaders, the best operational position is not one of détente, but of time-boxed respite. That means acting quickly to shore up optionality, and avoid being caught in a reactive posture when the pause ends.  H2: Why the truce Is fundamentally unstable The agreement was engineered as a tactical and temporary de-escalation, not as a lasting settlement. While headline tariff lines were softened, the levers of critical economic power remain deeply asymmetrical. First, China’s rare-earth export controls remain a potent strategic weapon. Despite signaling an easing of enforcement, Beijing retains control over key mining and refining capacity. Prior expansions of export restrictions demonstrate that it is fully capable of re-tightening. Second, President Trump’s tariff authority under IEEPA is in question. The U.S. Supreme Court’s current review directly challenges the administration’s legal basis to impose broad trade duties.  Third, domestic and political incentives complicate sustained cooperation. Beijing is under pressure to protect strategic industries; Washington faces conflicting demands from agriculture, manufacturing, tech, and national security voices.  Finally, the temporary nature of the pause itself speaks volumes. This is not a comprehensive reset but a time-bound, finite window, subject to the ebb and flow of geopolitical risk.  Implications for global business and supply chains This tactical pause in trade hostilities brings into focus certain risks for multinational companies operating across complex supply chains. Borders for the Boardroom: Christopher Salmon on supply chain resilience → Listen now on Spotify and Apple Music Import exposure and tariff risk Existing duties remain in place, and the legal jeopardy stemming from IEEPA challenges means the entire tariff infrastructure could change. For supply chain teams, this is the moment to re-assess import exposure: which products are most vulnerable, and what alternative sources exist if the truce unravels. Supply chain architecture and sourcing The pause presents a moment for strategic recalibration. Firms that once relied on ‘China +1’ sourcing strategies should re-evaluate: ‘China +N’ is the more resilient, risk-mitigated position. Near-shoring, alternate production hubs, and regional diversification offer possible solutions, but such shifts can be costly and time-consuming. Contracting, procurement, and pricing governance With uncertainty lessening in the short term, companies may be tempted to renegotiate contracts or lock-in suppliers aggressively. However, such moves should be structured carefully. Procurement teams should build scenario clauses into agreements, allow for tariff escalation or rollback triggers, and articulate pass-through mechanisms.  Capital deployment and investment strategy For capital-intensive operators (especially in autos, semiconductors, and clean tech) the pause is a window of opportunity to recommit capital, under conditional terms.  However, investment without horizon scanning is a high-stakes guessing game. Boardrooms must ringfence capital and create “if-then” gateways triggered directly by treaty developments and legal outcomes. Navigating the tariff pause: signals, strategy, and stability Timely, although seemingly never built to last, the US–China tariff truce represents a holding pattern amid unresolved geopolitical, legal, and economic pressures. For boardrooms, CFOs, and global supply chain leads, vigilance here is critical. The coming 6–9 months will reveal whether the pause becomes a platform for stability, or a prelude to renewed escalation. Key signals to monitor: Supreme Court IEEPA ruling: a decision limiting or upholding presidential tariff authority will immediately reshape strategic options. China’s compliance: soybean purchases, REE export controls, and shifts in blacklists or procurement rules will test the truce’s integrity. U.S. domestic pressures: farmers, retailers, tech, and security interests may prompt rapid shifts in U.S. tariff policy. South Korea and Japan: developments in semiconductor deals, export controls, and bilateral concessions could influence Beijing’s response. China’s geoeconomic posture: incremental moves in investment screening or sector targeting may accumulate into material operational risk. What cross-border companies should do: Refresh scenario models with tariff, legal, and geopolitical triggers Audit supplier and import exposure under multiple outcomes Advance diversification and dual-sourcing strategies Strengthen contractual protections for tariffs and disruptions Monitor policy daily, not quarterly Preparation builds stability Geopolitical uncertainty cannot be entirely eliminated; but it can be priced, planned for, and strategically contained. The U.S.–China relationship is unlikely to revert to pre-2018 norms: structural forces – technological leadership, critical minerals, industrial security – render volatility a recurring reality for multinational organisations. Boardrooms focused on embedding resilience into governance, procurement, investment, and supply chain design will be significantly better-equipped to face future scenarios and weather their impacts.   → Borders for the Boardroom: Christopher Salmon on supply chain resilience Listen now on Spotify and Apple Music

A fragile reset? What the US–China tariff truce means for cross-border trade strategies in 2026
Secret Link