Data gaps, shifting carbon goals, and compliance risks may follow global trade realignment
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is back in the headlines with a bold move—proposing sweeping new tariffs on Chinese goods. Among them, a potential 60% levy on all Chinese imports. While this may be a political and economic strategy on the surface, its ripple effects could shake the foundation of global sustainability efforts—especially in how supply chains operate.
As trade routes shift and companies rethink supplier relationships, supply chains that were once aligned with climate action and social responsibility could become fragmented. For African businesses and suppliers, this presents both disruption and opportunity. Below are three key ways Trump’s new tariffs could affect sustainable supply chains globally and what it could mean for Africa.
1. Data collection may stall
Today’s sustainable supply chains thrive on transparency. Companies across sectors—whether in apparel, tech, or agriculture—depend on their suppliers to provide regular data: from carbon emissions to water usage, labour conditions to packaging waste. However, the tariffs are already prompting businesses to rethink where and how they source materials.
A rapid shift to new suppliers, especially in unfamiliar territories, may cause delays or complete lapses in ESG data collection. For example, a company might switch from a Chinese supplier with a well-established emissions tracking system to one in another country where such systems don’t yet exist. That data gap can cause reporting delays, non-compliance with climate goals, and reputational risks.
For Africa, this could be a strategic opening. Suppliers that already track environmental and social metrics—or those willing to invest in doing so—may find themselves more attractive to global buyers looking to diversify their sourcing away from Asia.
2. Carbon goals could be missed
Carbon disclosure and target-setting bodies like the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) are clear: companies must track emissions across their value chains, including those from suppliers. This means that any disruption in the supply chain can directly affect a company’s ability to meet its sustainability goals.
Read also: Traceability in global supply chains
If companies are forced to replace trusted suppliers with newer ones due to tariffs, it might take months or even years to renegotiate climate-related agreements and reestablish baselines. In the meantime, those carbon goals could become unattainable.
For businesses in Africa that have aligned with carbon tracking and reduction frameworks, this is a chance to step up. Offering emissions transparency from day one could be a key competitive advantage.
3. Compliance may become a grey area
One of the lesser-discussed impacts of tariffs is their influence on compliance with human rights, labour standards, and anti-corruption frameworks. When companies re-shore operations to countries with similar regulatory environments, this could lead to tighter control and improved compliance.
But not all shifts will be so straightforward. Some manufacturers may scramble to cut costs and end up sourcing from countries with lower environmental and labour standards, where exploitation and environmental degradation are more likely to occur.
This opens the door to a two-speed system: one where high-integrity suppliers remain resilient, and another where companies sacrifice ethics to save money. African suppliers that already follow strong compliance protocols—especially those tied to global certifications—can thrive in this environment by standing out as reliable, ethical, and ready for long-term partnerships.
What should companies do?
As global businesses brace for what could be years of tariff-induced uncertainty, the smartest move is to double down on non-negotiables. That includes human rights, basic ESG disclosures, and transparent procurement processes.
For African firms, this is the time to take the lead in supply chain resilience. Focus on building capacity in carbon tracking, social compliance, and digital traceability. Don’t just wait for multinational buyers to come knocking—position your business as part of the solution to the world’s supply chain crisis.
Despite the noise, the business case for sustainability is stronger than ever. As trade patterns shift, so too will priorities. But those with clear values, robust systems, and transparent operations will always have a seat at the global table.
