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There is no doubt that we will have to relate to trade tariffs in the years ahead. This has become particularly clear as Donald Trump, in his renewed presidential campaign, has announced plans for sweeping new tariffs targeting countries like China, the EU, and other major industrial powers. The signals are clear: the wave of protectionism that has swept across the globe in recent years is not receding — if anything, it’s accelerating.

For the manufacturing industry, this means planning and strategy can no longer rely on a static trade landscape. Rather, companies must be prepared for rapid shifts, unexpected barriers, and cost changes that can severely impact both production and profitability. This is where AI comes in—not as a future vision, but as a practical tool for the present.

More and more industrial companies are realizing that AI can serve as a smart guide in a geopolitical terrain that is rapidly changing. By combining data from customs systems, logistics flows, and geopolitical analysis, AI can turn uncertainty into actionable insights. As Sofie Perslow, AI expert at HiQ, puts it: “In order for AI to predict the effects of trade tariffs in real time, it needs access to connected, quality-assured data from both internal systems and external sources. Logistics, customs information, and market shifts must be fed into the same data stream.”

See the Risks Before They Hit

Properly trained AI models can monitor trade patterns and geopolitical developments to predict upcoming risks. If a trade agreement is on the brink of collapse, or new tariffs are being signaled, AI can provide early warnings. This enables a more diversified supplier base and better-prepared scenarios for potential trade wars. A company like Harley-Davidson, which was hit hard by steel tariffs in 2018, might have made different decisions with access to such tools.

In a complex global economy, production optimization is critical. AI’s strength lies in its ability to weigh factors such as labor costs, energy prices, transportation options, and tariff rates. This enables companies to make strategic decisions about where production should be located — not just based on today’s costs, but tomorrow’s risks and opportunities. Apple, for example, has already begun relocating parts of its manufacturing from China to India and Vietnam. With AI, such decisions can be made faster, more accurately, and with lower risk.

But – AI Is No Magic Wand Without Data Access

Challenges remain. Many AI tools are built for retail, not for the complex ecosystem of the manufacturing industry. To fully leverage AI in mitigating the effects of trade tariffs, better integration with customs systems, access to updated trade data, and collaboration between tech providers, companies, and government authorities are essential.

Still, the potential is clear: shifting from gut feeling to pattern recognition, from guesswork to simulation.

Conclusion

In a world where conditions change rapidly, AI is becoming the manufacturing industry’s most important tool for adapting — and excelling. It’s no longer about following developments, but about leading them.

Companies that begin using AI as a strategic partner today will have a competitive edge tomorrow — regardless of which way the geopolitical winds are blowing.

Benefits of an Asset Management System

An asset management system is essential for managing a company’s assets. These can range from IT equipment and machinery to intangible assets. It enables organizations to record, track and utilize their assets in a structured and efficient manner.

Respectively, Starhive enables centralized management of all company assets, significantly improving transparency, control, and maintenance. However, the real advantage lies in its intelligent integration with existing IT systems. A key factor here is the hundreds of import connections that Starhive provides.

Conclusion

With Starhive, users not only gain a centralized solution for managing their corporate assets but also benefit from seamless integration into your existing system landscape – for greater efficiency, transparency, and future-proof operations. 

The asset management system combines versatile functionality with a wide range of import connectors. As Starhive partner, we support you in the implementation of Starhive and enable your teams to work optimally with the solution. Take your asset management to the next level. 

HiQ: Europe’s digital transformation partner

Founded 30 years ago in Sweden, HiQ is at its core a technology consultancy with Nordic roots –and so much more. As HiQ in Germany, we are part of a community of 1,700 brilliant minds who believe that technology is changing the world.

Our experts combine technical expertise with creativity to drive businesses forward. Whether it’s Atlassian consulting, software development, cloud engineering, AI, cybersecurity and more, our goal is to transform complexity into customer success with technology and know-how.

HiQ combines local expertise with European strength: our teams are deeply rooted in their local markets, drawing on the expertise of colleagues in 23 locations across four countries. In Sweden, Finland, Poland and now Germany, HiQ offers the perfect mix of personal proximity and transnational reach.

From Scandio to HiQ: why now?

Anyone who has been following us as a company in Germany for any length of time knows that Scandio has been an independent part of the Swedish HiQ Group since mid-2021. We are now fully aligning our brands and companies to become a real European champion in technology consulting. That is why Scandio is now HiQ in Germany.

The expansion of the HiQ brand comes at a time when the demand for high-quality, tailored digital solutions is growing across Europe. Companies are facing the challenges of digitalisation and need partners with in-depth technical expertise who can offer competent solutions both locally and across borders.

As part of the HiQ Group, we are ideally positioned to meet this demand for digital solutions across Europe.