Today could be one of the toughest days for U.S. importers. President Donald Trump’s latest tariff announcement has sent shockwaves through global supply chains, hitting companies that operate on thin profit margins the hardest. For many, the increased duties mean either breaching contracts or selling products at a loss.

Shortly after the announcement, WOWL received urgent requests from customers to hold or cancel shipments from certain countries. With WOWL’s advanced visibility tools, importers quickly identified “booked but not yet shipped” purchase orders—complete with PO numbers, item details, PO values, and countries of origin. This real-time insight enabled them to contact our origin offices to stop or delay shipments, helping to minimize financial losses.

Rising Inventory Carrying Costs: The New Threat

These tariffs span multiple regions, increasing the cost of goods worldwide. U.S. importers now face a new reality: higher inventory carrying costs driven by increased tariffs and rising interest rates. The days of importing large volumes to save on shipping are over. Excess inventory is no longer just inefficient—it’s a financial liability.

To navigate this new landscape, importers must adopt a leaner, more agile model. Just-in-time inventory management, aligned with overseas PO ready dates and full financial visibility, will be critical to long-term success.

Outdated Tools Won’t Cut It Anymore

Traditional PO management and freight booking systems lack the necessary product details, financial insights, and adaptability to today’s trade environment. Financial and supply chain teams need real-time data—including cargo values, shipping cost allocations, and customs duties—to effectively plan cash flow, evaluate landed costs, and make informed sourcing decisions.

If your team is reassessing its import strategy or needs better tools to manage inventory and accurately calculate tariff-inclusive costs—such as offsetting product import value with assist costs—now is the time to act.

How WOWL Can Help

WOWL offers a comprehensive solution designed to help importers adapt quickly and operate more efficiently in today’s complex trade environment. Our platform delivers:

• Booking Management & Carrier Allocation
  Easily manage bookings and control carrier space allocation based on your volume needs.
• Purchase Order (PO) Management & Shipment Visibility
  Gain end-to-end visibility with PO-item-level shipment tracking, keeping you aligned with production and delivery timelines.
• Freight Booking Control with Local Team Support
  Work directly with our experienced local teams at the origin to hold, release, or adjust shipments in real time.
• Cargo Value & Freight Cost Analysis
  Break down costs by shipment to better manage margins and support financial forecasting.
• Master Item Database
  Maintain a centralized item profile, including HTS codes, duty rates, and tariff-related data, for accurate landed cost calculations.
• Landed Cost Reporting
  Generate reports that show the unit cost of each product per shipment, helping you assess profitability and ensure compliance.

Whether you’re optimizing your supply chain or seeking better financial oversight, WOWL equips you with the tools to reduce costs, protect margins, and stay competitive.

Want to See How It Works?

Reach out to our team or request a demo via WOWL. We’re ready to help you streamline your imports and prepare for what’s ahead.