With U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods now sitting at 145%, healthcare purchasers are entering a new era of uncertainty. Even if you haven’t seen an impact yet, the effects are rippling across key categories like gloves, PPE, disposables, and more — and it’s only a matter of time before those costs reach your doorstep.
That’s why the smartest facilities are acting early, shoring up their supply chain strategy before prices spike. In this article, we break down the current freight picture, explain what’s driving the delays and cost increases, and share 6 proactive steps facilities can take right now to stay ahead.
Why Shipping Is Still Expensive, Even with Less Cargo
- Fewer shipments mean fewer ships and containers in circulation
- Carriers are raising rates to cover their fixed operating costs
- Added global risk premiums are driving up base freight charges
Bottom line: even if product demand slows, shipping remains costly — and that directly affects your landed cost.
6 Moves Smart Facilities Are Making Now
1. Lock in pricing where possible — before suppliers make major adjustments.
2. Get alternate quotes for high-volume items (you may be overpaying now).
3. Build a secondary supplier bench to avoid dependency on any one source.
4. Consolidate orders to reduce shipping frequency and freight per item.
5. Stay in close touch with vendors to spot price movement early.
6. Communicate with leadership about potential supply cost shifts — be proactive, not reactive.
At Supplyline, we’ve already helped dozens of facilities rethink their sourcing strategy in light of the new tariff landscape. If you'd like support evaluating your exposure or exploring smarter alternatives, we're happy to assist.
👉 Reach out to us or request a custom quote at SupplylineMedical.com