In a world where global trade is becoming more unpredictable, businesses are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence to handle Trump’s tariffs and related disruptions. With tariffs changing rapidly and often without much warning, companies are finding it tough to keep up manually.
Several tech firms are stepping up to offer AI-powered solutions that map out supply chains in real time. These tools are not just looking at where goods come from or how they’re made—they also analyze how changing tariffs affect costs and logistics.
Salesforce’s Import Specialist AI Agent Tackles Tariff Complexity
Last week, Salesforce revealed a new AI-driven import specialist tool that can process over 20,000 product categories listed in the U.S. customs system. This tool uses data from the Harmonized Tariff Schedule—a 4,400-page document—to help businesses quickly adjust to new tariffs.
According to Eric Loeb, EVP of Government Affairs at Salesforce, “The sheer pace and complexity of global tariff changes make it nearly impossible for most businesses to keep up manually.” The AI agent acts fast, saving businesses time and reducing errors in compliance.
Kinaxis Uses Machine Learning to Optimize Supply Chains
At supply chain software firm Kinaxis, Chief Product Officer Andrew Bell explained how their machine learning technology is helping manufacturers and distributors evaluate product components affected by tariffs. The system can even simulate scenarios, such as switching parts to reduce costs or avoid certain tariffs.
“With that information, we can run simulations,” Bell said. “For example, if you replace one part with another, what will be the cost and impact overall?”
Wipro’s Agentic AI Systems Help Clients Pivot Quickly
Wipro, a major IT services provider, is also deploying artificial intelligence to handle Trump’s tariffs. Their tools help companies change suppliers, reroute trade lanes, and adjust duties as regulations shift. From electronics firms in Asia to auto parts exporters in Europe and North America, Wipro’s solutions are making supply chain changes faster and more precise.
Nagendra Bandaru, global head of tech services at Wipro, said, “AI is a powerful enabler—but not a silver bullet. It doesn’t replace trade strategy. It makes trade smarter, turning challenges into data-driven decisions.”
AI Offers Hope Amid Growing Uncertainty
Zack Kass, a former OpenAI executive and futurist, said the current uncertainty around global trade is “AI’s moment to shine.” Without enough people to manage these rapid changes, AI becomes a practical alternative to manual processing.
Companies like Bain Capital Ventures’ portfolio firm FourKites are using AI to provide logistics insights. Their tools give Fortune 500 firms detailed visibility over how changes in suppliers affect transportation times and costs.
Not Just Cost—Time and Capacity Are Also Key
Switching suppliers might reduce the cost of tariffs, but there’s often a trade-off. Ajay Agarwal from Bain Capital Ventures noted that changing routes or suppliers could result in longer lead times and increased transportation expenses.
“AI can show companies the full picture—how saving on one end may cost more on the other,” Agarwal explained. “It’s about finding the right balance.”
The Future of Global Trade is Data-Driven
Artificial intelligence isn’t a magic fix, but it’s becoming an essential tool in helping businesses respond to complex trade issues. As companies continue to deal with Trump’s tariffs and global trade uncertainty, AI provides a clearer, faster path to informed decisions.
Capgemini reports that nearly 75% of business leaders ranked AI and generative AI in their top three investments for 2025. And with good reason—because when politics shift quickly, companies need to move even faster.
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