Trump’s policy will establish a baseline 10% tariff on all imports from countries around the world, except for those from countries adhering to the USMCA free trade agreement between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Non-compliant goods will remain subject to a 25% tariff.

For businesses that actively engage with the US through exporting goods, imposed tariffs will likely mean a squeezing of profit margins, during a time where the economic outlook continues to remain uncertain.

To mitigate the dilemma of absorbing additional costs or passing them down the supply chain to customers, LTS Global Solutions suggests that companies may once again be forced to reevaluate their supply chains by exploring alternative sourcing options and considering relocating manufacturing operations to tariff-friendly regions to stay competitive in 2025 and beyond.

Since returning to the White House, he has introduced a 20% levy on all Chinese imports, imposed a 25% tariff on steel and aluminium imports, and pledged a 25% tariff on most imported cars and auto parts – all aimed at renegotiating trade deals with U.S. partners worldwide, emphasizing the need to “put America first on trade.”

Questions around what the repercussions of these tariffs will be still remain, most notably how countries will respond and how it will impact the global supply chain. China has already imposed a 15 percent border tax on imports of US coal and liquefied natural gas products, with Mexico and Canada also imposing levies of their own in retaliation.

On a global scale, the ripple effects of these tariffs are expected to be far-reaching, impacting everything from manufacturing costs to consumer prices.

Trump’s introduction of tariffs comes at a time where the global supply chain remains fragile, following a turbulent 2024 that saw widespread instability across major trade routes.

Mirza Baig, Global Business Director at LTS Global Solutions believes the addition of trade restrictions emphasises the need for UK businesses to remain agile and become more open to the idea of diversifying their presence away from tariffed regions if possible.

“Last year, supply chains were hit by a continuous cycle of geopolitical crises, namely the Russia-Ukraine War, ongoing conflict in the Middle East and repeated attacks on vessels by Houthi Rebels which passed through the Red Sea, Mirza said. While all of these issues continue to rumble on in some shape or form, President Trump’s tariff tirade will likely take the podium as the defining trade disruptor of 2025 and compound these pre-existing challenges.

“Undoubtedly the current pandemonium around the imposition of tariffs will result in short term market volatility, however it’s only once the dust settles that we can gauge the level of fallout from prolonged tariff disputes. If history is any indicator, these measures will likely prompt a further tit-for-tat retaliatory response from major trading partners on top of what has already been implemented, further disrupting global trade and as a result creating additional challenges for businesses reliant on international markets.

“Mitigating their impact over the coming year will be problematic for a lot of businesses. We have already had multiple discussions with customers concerning the possibility of evaluating their existing supply chains and identifying where adjustments can be made, whether that be establishing satellite manufacturing facilities in new regions to reduce dependency on heavily tariffed markets or diversifying into new markets.

For firms, navigating through this maelstrom successfully will depend on their ability to closely monitoring policy developments and remaining agile during this period.

Mirza continued: “It is likely that amid these tariffs being imposed, new trade deals will be struck between countries to offset the financial burden of the tariffs and create more stable and favourable conditions for cross-border trade and manufacturers by offering preferential terms. A recent example of this is that talks between India and the UK regarding a free trade deal is set to resume in a bid to overcome the impact of protectionist US policies almost a year after talks had come to a halt.

“While it’s unlikely that international markets will fully replace China as a global manufacturing hub, there is potential for a shift in supply chain patterns. Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, with their lower labour costs and growing innovation, is actually a classic case study of a region becoming an attractive alternative for businesses seeking to diversify their manufacturing bases and mitigate tariff risks.

“Relocating parts or all of a business’s manufacturing process or breaking away from existing markets for instance is obviously an incredibly complex decision that requires careful planning and investment, but for many firms, it could be the most viable long-term solution assuming the tariffs will remain in place throughout Donald Trump’s Presidency.”

As part of its partnership with the UK’s premier truck racing championship, LTS Global Solutions’ branding will be on display on all competing race trucks, podium backdrops, the official website, and various media channels.

With locations in Birmingham, Hong Kong and New Delhi, the company offers tailored solutions to meet diverse needs of its customers which includes storage, just in time delivery, fulfilment and international freight forwarding.

It is the first time that LTS has partnered with the British Truck Racing Championship.

As one of the biggest motorsport categories in the UK, The British Truck Racing Championship takes centre stage at some of the most renowned circuits across the UK such as Brands Hatch, Thruxton, and Donington Park.

Featuring five-tonne racing trucks that produce over 1,000 horsepower, the championship delivers high-octane action across 34 races spread over seven events. 

Like LTS, sustainability is high on the agenda for the BTRC, with the Championship working closely with Truck Sport UK and the British Automobile Racing Club to develop strategies and actions that help ensure it meets their carbon reduction targets.

In 2024, the BTRC showcased its commitment by collaborating with Silvey Fleet and BWOC, who supplied Renewable Diesel (HVO) for race events. This fuel, produced from 100% renewable sources, achieves a net 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and is compatible with existing diesel engines.

In recent years, LTS has significantly reduced its carbon footprint through a major investment programme, focusing on sustainability across all aspects of the business, which led it to achieving Planet Market Certification last year.

It currently operates a Volvo FM Electric truck and was the first logistics provider in the West Midlands to do so.

Dave Hands, Managing Director of LTS Global Solutions commented: “We are both delighted and proud to be named the official transport partner for the 2025 British Truck Racing Championship season.

“Having always been employed in the logistics industry it’s very much ingrained in my DNA, so when the opportunity of aligning LTS Global Solutions with The British Truck Racing Championship, it was a no brainer. Championing the industry is something we feel incredibly passionate about, and this partnership provides no better way to showcase that passion.

“As an institution which is looking to actively seek out ways to reduce its carbon footprint and drive sustainability forward, it’s great to find a partner with values that perfectly aligns with our own, and we look forward to seeing how our expertise can help one another moving forward.”

The Globetrotter Aero, which is part of the FH range has a unique aerodynamic design and boasts a potential 5% fuel saving, is the first of the new flagship vehicles to be supplied by Hartshorne Group – a Volvo Truck dealer with which LTS has had a relationship for a number of years.

It is an exciting addition to the LTS Global Solutions fleet and one which continues the company’s continued commitment to further increase fuel efficiency and reduction in carbon footprint.

The new Volvo FH is highly efficient whilst at the same time ideally suited for long haul tasks. Unique in design, the front of the Volvo FH Aero cab has been extended by 24 centimetres which has created a more aerodynamic cab as well as providing better driving stability.

It is also fitted with a Volvo camera monitoring system eliminating the need for external cameras and screens.  The system also further contributes to fuel saving whilst at the same time opening the visual field for the driver, improving driver safety and that of vulnerable road users.  Crucially it is also effective in rainy and dark conditions as well as direct sunlight.

Additional features include Volvo’s new turbo-compound diesel 460hp engine, I-Shift which makes driving smooth, comfortable and efficient, drag free disc brakes which further reduce costs and carbon footprint, Volvo’s I-see technology and a tyre monitoring system.

The interior too is state of the art with a built in microwave, interior light, night heater and roof hatch. 

LTS Global Solutions which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary, is a leading logistics and supply chain management company and operates from its state of the art 133,000 sq ft Logistics Centre of Excellence facility at Prologis Park based at Hams Hall.    The new Aero will also feature LTS’ new distinctive livery to mark its business milestone.

Established in 1999 and undergoing a successful management buyout in 2020, the company has an impressive pedigree and prides itself on delivering end-to-end transport, logistics and supply chain solutions to its customers.

LTS Global Solutions has continued to go from strength to strength and today operates a modern fleet comprising more than 60 vehicles from vans through to 44 tonnes all of which are Euro 6 compliant. 

The forward-thinking company has also taken a robust and data-led approach to reducing its operational carbon footprint and has recently achieved Planet Mark Business Certification which certifies and recognises progress in reducing carbon emissions across Scopes 1, 2 and core elements of Scope 3.

To promote this achievement, LTS Global Solutions has incorporated the Planet Mark logo on both its new electric vehicle as well as the new Aero.

Dave Hands, LTS Global Solutions Managing Director commented:  “We are extremely excited to be the first operator to bring the new Volvo Aero on board in Birmingham.  It is a fantastic vehicle and whilst a significant investment is one which will reap significant dividends in fuel savings as well as adding additional comfort for our drivers.

“Our investment in the new Aero once again demonstrates our continuing commitment to reducing our carbon footprint which is a key part of our strategy going forward.”

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