I want to personally commend you for your dedication during this volatile and unpredictable time in our industry, with tariff changes already affecting pricing across key categories – including apparel. Whether it’s distributors managing client concerns or suppliers working to support their distributor partners, you’re helping to maintain confidence and preserve sales momentum.

At ASI, we care deeply about the challenges you’re facing and are taking immediate steps to help. Our team is in constant communication with nearly 3,000 ASI suppliers, urging timely updates to product pricing and tariff status in ESP – with changes usually reflected in ESP within 30 minutes.

With increasing demand for USA-made promo products, we’re also auditing supplier submissions around “Made in USA” status for products, verifying that all components are sourced domestically so that distributors and their end-buyers by extension can trust what’s listed.

Distributors, here’s what you can do to stay ahead:

• Use ESP+ filters to quickly find “Made in USA” products that are fully sourced and manufactured in the U.S. that may be less affected by tariff fluctuations. Go here to find out more.
• Support ASI suppliers, our industry’s experts at sourcing, transporting and managing the intricacies of tariffs and duties. There’s too much at risk to do it all yourself. Many suppliers have direct sourcing divisions to handle extra-large or complex orders.
• When ordering, make sure you understand which costs are included in the price quote and which are not. Are tariffs included in the quote? Shipping? What happens if prices change after the order is placed?
• Discuss terms with suppliers, even those you’ve worked with for many years, to see if you can collaborate for better terms to offset the impact of tariffs. This might include bulk purchasing or long-term contracts to secure favorable pricing.

• Always confirm pricing terms in writing – ask for emailed quotes that specify how long they’re valid. This helps avoid disputes later.

Suppliers, here’s what you can do to stay competitive and support your distributor partners:

• Update pricing and product details in ESP immediately to avoid confusion and delayed or lost sales. Contact us at ASI anytime for help.
• Use our features in ESP to clearly flag temporary surcharges, revised lead times or other tariff-related notes.
• Verify your contact details now – missing or outdated contact info can mean lost opportunities. Your info in ESP can include FOB points, phone numbers, hours of customer service, email addresses and much more.
• Review your “Made in USA” language to avoid legal and reputational risk. Only products fully sourced and manufactured in the U.S. meet the requirements.

In addition, ASI has been taking further proactive steps. To date:

• We’ve hosted two highly attended tariff webinars, providing guidance and expert insights. Another webinar, focused on “Made in America” momentum, is scheduled for May 8, featuring four industry panelists. Go here to register for the May 8 webinar. Watch the first tariffs webinar here and second webinar here.
• Our editorial team created a central tariffs hub so you can stay informed on breaking news and immediate industry impacts. Be sure to bookmark it: asicentral.com/tariffs.

This moment demands flexibility, clarity and true partnership. ASI is committed to providing you with the tools, insights and real-time updates essential for success.

Have questions? Contact me anytime at tim.andrews@asicentral.com.

As always, we’re in this together.

Sincerely,

Tim Andrews
ASI President & CEO