Recent tariff announcements triggered immediate global market turmoil. On Friday, April 4th alone, the DOW fell 2,200 points, and the S&P 500 lost 10% in two days, wiping out USD 5.4 trillion in market value within 48 hours, with further repercussions expected.
This stock market drop is a direct consequence of Washington’s recent actions. However, for corporations with decades-long global supply chains, this represents a mid- to long-term “Black Swan” event. Being deeply embedded in global trade now feels like a series of unexpected blows. The scale and global simultaneity of these tariff shifts likely weren’t factored into standard business continuity plans. While country-specific tariffs are familiar, this widespread and sudden change in trade rules is unprecedented in our highly interconnected global economy.
Immediate responses are already visible: Stellantis halted some production in Canada and Mexico, and Nissan will stop taking new US orders for Mexican-built Infiniti SUVs.
The core strategies of offshoring and outsourcing, which fuelled global trade’s growth, now require urgent and significant adjustments. Executive leadership capable of connecting the dots in this volatile environment is crucial. Adding to the challenge, this “Black Swan” arrives after years of workforce specialization and the retirement of experienced executives with crisis management expertise.
Whether navigating immediate emergencies or strategically overhauling end-to-end infrastructure to mitigate these “tariff blows,”. The people who could handle these complex situations in companies are already flat out.
To increase your capability and keep moving forward, companies are leveraging “Executive Interim Management solutions”. Bringing in seasoned senior executives to augment your capability during crisis situations.
Written by Peter Massion
Associate Director, Practice Lead for Financial Services
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