2025 Tariff Impact: Gathering Input, Supporting RI Manufacturers
Polaris MEP, Rhode Island Manufacturers Association (RIMA) and Rhode Island Commerce Corporation (CommerceRI), along with other local partners, are gathering input from local manufacturers related to the impact of import duty and tariff changes announced in 2025.
We’ll use this assessment to seek out solutions, facilitate resources and guide development of supportive services in the coming months.
We recognize that there is no magic wand as conditions change frequently. We are committed to helping you respond, adapt and continue to thrive.
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ASSESS: Impact Analysis
ACT: Resources
Guided by the needs assessment (survey above!), Polaris MEP, the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation (CommerceRI) and the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association (RIMA) will be working to help Ocean State manufacturers navigate and adapt to changing conditions.
Click to schedule a meeting today with
| Kayla Viveiros, Polaris MEP | Dave Chenevert, RIMA | Chris Cannata, CommerceRI |
Below are a few initial resources that can help your company.
Click on the blue arrows to learn more / request support.
Supply Chain Health Assessment
Analyzing and adjusting your supply chain now will make your business stronger. This is a key strategy for reacting and adapting to turbulence caused by tariff changes.
Polaris MEP offers a “Supply Chain Health Report” which will identify gaps and offer recommendations related to:
- Supplier management
- Risk management
- Forecasting & Inventory Management
- Regulatory Compliance & Sustainability
- Foreign Sourcing
and more.
Automation / Robotics Readiness
Automation and robotics, strategically integrated, can help your company gain more control, increase productivity and lower costs.
As a recent blog post put it:
"Adopting automation may create room in the budget to absorb rising input costs.
Optimize your inventory management by improving demand forecasting and limiting excess stock. This allows you to minimize carrying costs and avoid over-ordering tariffed goods."
Click here to learn more about solutions to help you prepare and pursue smart manufacturing.
International Trade Partnership Support
The partnership of Rhode Island Commerce, the John H. Chafee Center for International Business at Bryant University and the United States Department of Commerce, U.S. Export Assistance Center offers:
- Strategic consulting services
- International market research
- Assistance in developing international channel partners
- Assistance in developing global pricing models
- SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats)
Business Continuity Planning
According to the global consulting firm Deloitte, greater than fifty percent of businesses without an effective business continuity plan will ultimately fail following a major disruption.
Proactively solidifying and documenting your business continuity plan will help your team be more nimble and effective in responding to major disruptions.
Polaris MEP project managers are manufacturers with years of experience running scenarios/responses. They collaborate with CommerceRI and RIMA to give you the full benefit of insights and resources for your plans.
Source: Fictiv, 2020 State of Manufacturing Report
Workforce Development
An adaptable workforce is a necessity in the face of rising costs and disrupted supply chains.
Reskilling and upskilling your workers, investing in continuous learning ... Polaris MEP Workforce experts and their partners can help you more quickly bridge skills gaps and strengthen your business.