From Asia to the World: How Dimerco is Helping Businesses Navigate New Trade Tariffs and Supply Chain Shifts
In this episode of Hammer Down, host Mike Bush speaks with Craig Shapiro of Dimerco about how businesses are adapting to new trade tariffs and geopolitical shifts affecting Asia-origin supply chains. They explore the China Plus One diversification strategy, current freight market conditions, and practical advice for logistics professionals navigating an uncertain trade environment.
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Key takeaways
The China Plus One strategy is accelerating as companies diversify sourcing beyond China to reduce tariff and geopolitical risk.
Despite tariff anxiety, businesses may face a more manageable environment than during the peak supply chain disruptions of 2020–21.
Logistics professionals should prioritize understanding real-world trade mechanics and stay closely informed about evolving global trade policies.
The global supply chain is once again at a crossroads, with shifting trade policies, geopolitical tensions, and economic fluctuations shaping the way goods move across the world. The looming threat of new trade tariffs on imports from Asia, combined with fluctuating shipping rates, is creating a challenging landscape for logistics professionals. With businesses re-evaluating their sourcing strategies, the "China Plus One" approach is gaining traction as companies seek to mitigate risks.
How should shippers navigate this evolving market amid potential new trade tariffs? What strategies can businesses adopt to ensure supply chain resilience?
Welcome to Hammer Down. In the latest episode, host Mike Bush speaks with Craig Shapiro of Dimerco, a global logistics firm with deep roots in Asia. They discuss the evolving role of freight forwarders, the impact of potential tariffs, and how companies can adapt to a changing trade environment.
Key takeaways from the episode:
- The China Plus One Strategy: Companies are diversifying their supply chains beyond China to reduce risk, a move that started years ago but has been accelerated by trade uncertainties.
- Tariff Anxiety and Business Impact: While new tariffs are a major concern, businesses may actually find themselves in a more stable position than during the peak supply chain crises of 2020-21.
- Advice for Aspiring Logistics Professionals: Understanding the real-world mechanics of logistics—beyond industry jargon—is crucial. Engaging with professionals on the ground and staying informed about global trade developments is key.
Craig Shapiro is a seasoned logistics expert at Dimerco, a company that has been at the forefront of global freight forwarding since 1971. With a passion for international trade and a deep understanding of supply chain mechanics, Shapiro helps businesses navigate complex global shipping challenges. His expertise spans freight forwarding, supply chain strategy, and international trade policies.
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About the author
Beginning his career by learning how to tell a brand’s story, leveraging marcom to build market share, utilizing PR to get people engaged, and innovating trust-based relationships between products and people, He took on diverse challenges and continually grew. Mike created the first ever SEO practice in Washington DC — generating $10M+ in revenue for 10+ clients. Throughout my career, Mike gained unique experiences such as spearheading marcom for a company after a real-time suicide (incident inspired a Law & Order SVU episode) with minimal negative publicity. And advising a client in PR best practices after an employee had committed a highly publicized terrorist attack in the US. Company was able to maintain all major financial relationships (JPM, BofA, Well Fargo, AmEx, etc.). He worked for a leader in the automotive services industry — building a reputation as nationally recognized expert on road rage (including an appearance on Court TV as a Subject Matter Expert). This included creating media that generated 100M+ impressions.
