Election 2024 and the Supply Chain: What Policy Changes Could Mean for Your Business

As election season intensifies, so do discussions on policies that could reshape the logistics and supply chain landscape. From trade tariffs to labor regulations, infrastructure funding, and environmental mandates, each election cycle has the potential to impact how goods move, how much it costs, and how the workforce operates. Whether the changes are major or minor, they prompt important questions for supply chain leaders. Here’s an overview of key areas to watch—and some thought-provoking questions to consider as we prepare for the possible shifts in 2025. 

1. Trade Policies: The Possibility of New Tariffs and Trade Agreements

Every administration brings its own approach to trade policies, impacting how goods flow across borders. Shifts in tariffs or import/export restrictions can directly affect costs, particularly for businesses dependent on international suppliers. For example, recent years saw tariffs on select imported goods, which raised costs across industries. In fact, the Peterson Institute for International Economics reported that U.S. tariffs on various imports led to billions in added consumer expenses, with effects rippling through supply chains in industries like manufacturing, electronics, and agriculture. 

Given this context, election outcomes may influence trade policy adjustments. Here are some questions for supply chain leaders to consider: 

• How diversified is your supplier network, and could adjustments in trade policies affect your sourcing options? 

• What impact might new tariffs or trade restrictions have on your cost structures, especially for imported goods? 

• Do you have systems in place to monitor and adapt to shifts in trade policy promptly? 

2. Labor Regulations: Implications for Costs and Workforce Management

Labor policy is a key topic in every election season. Proposals to modify minimum wage laws, workforce benefits, or work-hour regulations can have widespread implications. For companies that rely on labor-intensive operations, like warehousing and manufacturing, such changes could affect operational expenses. Labor costs have seen increases in recent years, with some states implementing minimum wage hikes that affect many sectors, including logistics. 

Labor-intensive industries, especially those handling temperature-sensitive goods, may feel these shifts more acutely, as human oversight is often essential. In the context of potential labor reforms, consider the following: 

• What impact might new labor costs have on your overall expenses and workforce planning? 

• Are there tasks within your operations where automation might enhance efficiency, or are most roles best suited for skilled labor? 

• How could changing labor dynamics influence your recruitment and retention strategies? 

3. Infrastructure Investments: The Hope for Improved Logistics Networks

Infrastructure spending has long been a focus during election seasons, with discussions often surrounding much-needed upgrades to roads, ports, and transportation systems. Improved infrastructure can reduce transit times and fuel costs while enhancing reliability—a critical factor in cold chain logistics, where product integrity hinges on maintaining temperature control throughout the journey. The American Society of Civil Engineers recently noted that the U.S. has a $2.6 trillion infrastructure funding gap, underscoring the need for significant investment. 

While any infrastructure overhaul takes time to implement, election outcomes may set priorities for key projects. As these discussions unfold, here are some questions to consider: 

• How might improved infrastructure reduce delays and enhance reliability in your logistics network? 

• Are there known bottlenecks or high-traffic routes in your current operations that could benefit from infrastructure improvements? 

• In the event of prolonged infrastructure delays, do you have contingency routes or alternative plans to maintain timely deliveries? 

4. Environmental Regulations: Balancing Sustainability and Efficiency

Environmental policy is taking a central role in global discussions, and election outcomes could shape how supply chains address emissions and sustainability standards. Transportation alone accounts for roughly 25% of global carbon emissions, according to the International Energy Agency, making it a natural focus for emission reduction initiatives. Potential regulations may call for a shift to cleaner energy sources, adoption of fuel-efficient vehicles, and even modifications in packaging and warehousing practices. 

As environmental policies evolve, questions around how companies can adapt become increasingly relevant: 

• Are there areas within your supply chain where sustainability initiatives might yield both environmental and economic benefits? 

• How might new regulations affect your operational costs or influence your choice of logistics partners? 

• Could adopting more sustainable practices enhance your brand reputation with eco-conscious customers or meet evolving industry expectations? 

Fostering Agility in an Evolving Landscape 

While election outcomes can lead to regulatory shifts, resilient supply chains focus on adaptability. Asking the right questions can help companies prepare for a range of potential scenarios, from policy changes to infrastructure adjustments. Agility is essential, particularly in an industry where conditions can change rapidly based on global events, consumer demand, and political landscapes. 

By engaging with these questions and remaining proactive, supply chain leaders can better position their organizations to navigate whatever changes come their way. Whether through diversifying suppliers, exploring automation, or optimizing infrastructure and sustainability practices, staying flexible is the key to building a future-ready supply chain—one that can weather the inevitable ups and downs of any political cycle. 

With these considerations in mind, supply chain professionals can approach 2025 prepared to respond to changes and seize opportunities, keeping their operations efficient and responsive, regardless of election results.