Trump’s Tariffs and the UK Business Landscape: Strategic Financial Planning in an Uncertain Global Market

The global trade landscape has undergone dramatic shifts in recent years, with tariffs imposed by the United States, especially under the Trump administration, reshaping how British businesses engage with international supply chains. As protectionist policies continue to reverberate globally, UK firms must not only understand the potential impact of such measures but also proactively plan for long-term financial stability and competitive resilience.

At Cogency Corporate Finance, we support companies across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire and Cumbria and nationwide by delivering strategic financial advice that helps them navigate uncertainty, manage risk, and seize opportunities in a changing global economy.

While many UK companies may not export directly to the United States, the indirect consequences of US-imposed tariffs are far-reaching. Tariffs on steel, aluminium, technology components, and other key imports have affected global prices and availability of materials critical to UK sectors including:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Automotive and aerospace
• Engineering
• Technology and electronics
• Food and beverage

For instance, tariffs on Chinese goods imposed by the US have strained global supply chains, creating upstream cost pressures that impact UK manufacturers who rely on international suppliers. In sectors like automotive or precision engineering, these increases can affect margins and project viability.

Unpredictable international policy decisions, like tariffs or trade sanctions, expose UK businesses to a range of financial risks. These include currency fluctuations, supply chain disruption, and increased operational costs. As a result, financial agility is now a critical business capability.

At Cogency CF, our expertise lies in helping clients develop and implement financial strategies that can absorb shocks and position them for long-term strength. Our approach includes:

• Comprehensive financial scenario planning
• Cost base analysis and restructuring
• Strategic funding and capital optimisation
• Debt restructuring and covenant management
• M&A preparedness and due diligence

Explore our strategic planning approach here: Navigating Financial Uncertainty: Strategic Planning for Volatile Economic Conditions

In an unpredictable global market, flexible and responsive funding is vital. Traditional financing may fall short when rapid pivots are needed to counter new trade barriers or cost increases.

Through our specialist finance services, Cogency CF offers bespoke funding structures including:

• Invoice and asset-based finance
• Private equity and mezzanine capital
• Trade and stock finance
• Bridging and acquisition finance
• Government-backed lending schemes

We help companies structure financial arrangements that support operational continuity and expansion, even in turbulent conditions.

UK businesses affected by tariffs or international trade changes can access official government resources and support services. Key links include:

• Importing and Exporting: Guidance for UK Businesses
• UK Tariff Checker: Determine applicable duties and rates post-Brexit
• Trade Remedies Service: Monitor and respond to unfair trade practices
• Export Support Service: Free advice for UK exporters on trading globally

Our team at Cogency CF works closely with businesses to integrate this support into broader strategic planning, ensuring no opportunities are missed and all risks are assessed.

While global in nature, tariff-related impacts play out differently across the UK. In Greater Manchester and the wider Northwest, many businesses are export-oriented or form part of international supply chains. Our regional offices give us a nuanced understanding of how these global shifts affect local businesses.

From family-owned manufacturers in Lancashire to logistics operators in Merseyside or engineering firms in Cheshire, our strategies are shaped by real market conditions and local economic realities.

Preparing for a volatile global economy involves more than short-term fixes. Strategic investment in resilience, innovation, and financial planning is key. At Cogency CF, we advise clients to:

• Diversify supply chains
• Explore reshoring or nearshoring opportunities
• Invest in technology to increase efficiency
• Use financial modelling to anticipate potential future shocks
• Maintain access to liquidity through diversified funding sources

Through disciplined planning and bespoke financial solutions, we help our clients build resilient, high-performing businesses ready for any geopolitical shift.

Cogency CF is trusted by ambitious UK businesses to provide:

• Independent, objective financial advice
• Expertise across multiple sectors and funding structures
• Strategic insight grounded in economic reality
• Local knowledge across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire, and Cumbria
• Ongoing support through every phase of a business lifecycle

Whether your business is directly impacted by tariffs or exposed to broader market shifts, our mission is to help you anticipate risk, unlock capital, and plan confidently for the future.

To speak with an advisor about how tariff-related uncertainty could affect your business—and how to plan around it—visit our Contact page or explore our full range of services at www.cogencycf.com.