Why Procurement Must Evolve Beyond Cost
Historically, procurement has often been viewed through a narrow, transactional lens—its
primary objective being to deliver cost savings. This paradigm, while effective during
periods of global stability, has become a liability in today’s environment. The pursuit of
the lowest-cost supplier, often located in a single geographic region, has resulted in
brittle supply chains with low adaptability.
The consequences are now undeniable:
Suppliers unable or unwilling to fulfill contracts due to shifting trade regulations
Long lead times and unpredictable logistics disruptions
Margin erosion from unexpected tariffs and price hikes
Strategic disadvantage due to overdependence on a narrow supplier base
C-suites and boards are beginning to recognize that procurement is not merely a function
for reducing expenses—it is a strategic capability essential to navigating uncertainty,
ensuring continuity, and driving competitive advantage.
Objectives of This Ebook
IThis ebook explores how the 2025 tariff wave has become a catalyst for procurement
transformation. It aims to:
Analyze the impact of newly reintroduced tariffs on procurement, supplier strategy,
and global supply chains
Quantify sector-specific disruptions and cost increases through the latest data and
case insights
Examine the historical missteps that led to current vulnerabilities
Introduce a new strategic procurement agenda focused on resilience, agility, and value
creation
Highlight practical frameworks, tools, and case studies to support procurement leaders
in responding to this new reality
Ultimately, this ebook makes the case that the current disruption is not merely a
challenge—it is an opportunity to redefine procurement’s role at the heart of
enterprise strategy. The era of transactional procurement is over. The era of strategic
orchestration has begun.
Procurement Is on the Line: How Tariffs Are Exposing Strategy Gaps in 2025