The Impact of Trump Trade Wars on the Warehouse Automation Market

The global trade wars sparked by the introduction of increased tariffs by the Trump administration continues shape and reshape global markets but arguably no sector has seen more disruption than supply chains, with the impact being felt across multiple industries, including warehouse automation.

A recent article by Rueben Scriven, one of the world’s leading warehouse automation industry analysts took a deep-dive into the 6 Key Effects on the Warehouse Automation Market, with some interesting and alarming insights.

If you haven't already done so I would encourage you to read the full article here: Trump’s Tariffs: Six Key Effects on the Warehouse Automation Market - Interact Analysis

In terms of what this means for talent supply and careers here are my hot takes:

1) Slow down in investment will lead to a general hiring slow-down across supply chain. The future for all businesses is highly uncertain and thus growth and investment plans are being put on hold until the dust has settled and tensions have eased, so expect fewer jobs and candidates who are far less likely to want to take a jump.

2) Warehouse construction will benefit. With a slow-down in trade stocks will pile-up and warehouse capacity will start to come under pressure which will give a timely boost to construction of new warehouse and storage units - spiking hiring demand in this area.

3) A drop in demand for AI and AMR (for now) as Rueben states in his article the steel tariff will lead to some supply chain and warehouse organisations revising larger scale automation plans. Almost overnight the cost and feasibility of these projects have changes dramatically.

Whilst the U.S. Governments recent announcement of 10% tax for most countries - the trade war with China, a key part of the wheel in global supply chains, looks set to go the distance. The best we can do is watch, wait and proceed with caution.

If you're looking for technical supply chain talent who can help you navigate through these changes or if you're now unsure about your talent strategy for 2025 reach out to me for an informal chat, I'd love to provide some advice and guidance.