In this week’s Forkliftaction News, we look at one of the biggest talking points coming out of the LogiMAT event in Stuttgart last week and ProMat in Chicago this week – US tariffs on Chinese, Mexican and Canadian imports, and the uncertainty they are creating in the market.

The tariffs have variously been described as “one of the biggest threats” to the sector, “currently manageable”, “significant”, and “paralysing”.

One industry player at ProMat tells Forkliftaction News they have just been advised by a Chinese supplier their prices will increase by 25% as a direct result of the tariffs.

Another industry participant talks about the added level of bureaucracy needed to address the quickly shifting environment around tariffs.

At the same time, while some see the tariffs as a major cause for concern, many in Europe believe they are insulated from the worst of their effects.