The 2025 return of U.S. trade tariffs marked one of the most abrupt shifts in global trade policy in decades, pushing average tariff levels to their highest point in a century. What followed was short-term disruption — and long-term structural change.
For procurement teams and supply chains, the initial shock meant higher costs, uncertainty, and firefighting. But as tariffs began to look permanent rather than temporary, companies shifted from reactive measures to strategic redesign: diversifying suppliers, nearshoring production, and accelerating adoption of digital procurement platforms.
B2B marketplaces emerged as critical infrastructure in this environment. While cross-border friction increased, demand surged for platforms offering real-time pricing, alternative sourcing, and supply-chain visibility. Domestic and regional marketplaces benefited as companies sought tariff-resilient options.
Venture capital followed the signal. Import-heavy hardware and e-commerce models faced tighter scrutiny, while investors leaned into software, supply-chain visibility, logistics tech, and marketplaces enabling resilient sourcing. The result is a new investment lens: resilience, flexibility, and geopolitical awareness are now core diligence criteria.
The tariff shock of 2025 may fade — but its impact on how B2B trade is structured, digitised, and financed is likely to last.