Retailers and businesses across industries are struggling to source essential products due to supply chain disruptions, increasing tariffs, and shifting market dynamics.
From construction materials and automotive parts to consumer electronics and energy resources, securing reliable suppliers has never been more critical.
If your business depends on a steady supply of key products, failing to diversify your supplier base—particularly by tapping into small and local suppliers—could leave you vulnerable to rising costs, delays, and operational risks.
Top 10 Hardest-to-Source Products in 2025
New tariffs and trade policies have significantly impacted the import of essential products, making sourcing increasingly difficult. Below are the top 10 most at-risk product categories, how tariffs are affecting them, and what it means for your supply chain.
1. Construction Materials – Rising Costs and Limited Availability
Imports at risk: Steel, aluminum, cement, and lumber.
- Steel and aluminum prices have surged over 15% in two weeks due to impending tariffs. (Reuters)
- Industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing are heavily impacted by these price increases.
- Supply chain risk: Higher production costs, construction delays, and material shortages.
2. Consumer Electronics – Supply Delays and Price Hikes
Imports at risk: Smartphones, laptops, televisions, and appliances.
- Apple and other companies are investing in U.S. manufacturing to avoid tariffs on Chinese-made electronics. (New York Post)
- Many chips, displays, and batteries are still dependent on international suppliers, making a full transition difficult.
- Supply chain risk: Increased costs for smartphones, laptops, and appliances, plus potential delays.
3. Automotive Parts – Disruptions in Manufacturing and Assembly
Imports at risk: Engines, transmissions, tires, wiring harnesses, and vehicle electronics.
- Tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico could disrupt the supply of essential automotive components.
- Automakers like GM, Ford, and Tesla may need to shift production to U.S. plants, increasing costs.
- Supply chain risk: Higher car prices and delays in vehicle production.
4. Fresh Produce & Agriculture – Higher Costs and Limited Fresh Produce
Imports at risk: Avocados, tomatoes, bell peppers, berries, beef, pork, dairy.
- Avocados, tomatoes, and peppers from Mexico face supply issues, increasing grocery prices. (Fortune)
- Meat and dairy imports from Canada are also at risk, driving up costs.
- Supply chain risk: Price volatility and shortages in fresh produce, beef, and dairy products.
5. Retail & Consumer Goods – Impact on E-Commerce and Brick-and-Mortar Stores
Imports at risk: Apparel, household items, furniture, kitchenware, toys, and small electronics.
- The removal of the “de minimis” loophole means low-cost imports from e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu will now be taxed. (NBC New York)
- Retailers that rely on cheap imports will need to explore domestic manufacturing.
- Supply chain risk: Higher costs for consumers, reduced inventory availability, and possible e-commerce slowdowns.
6. Energy Resources – Rising Fuel Prices and Supply Chain Disruptions
Imports at risk: Crude oil, natural gas, refined petroleum products, electricity from Canada.
- The U.S. imports 50% of its crude oil from Canada, and new tariffs could raise fuel prices.
- Energy companies like Enbridge and TC Energy may experience trade disruptions.
- Supply chain risk: Higher gasoline prices and increased energy costs for businesses and consumers.
7. Textiles & Apparel – Increased Costs for Clothing & Fast Fashion
Imports at risk: Clothing, footwear, fabrics.
- Fast-fashion brands and major retailers that source textiles from Mexico and Canada will face higher tariffs and increased costs.
- Manufacturers may need to shift to domestic production, leading to potential price increases for consumers.
- Supply chain risk: Higher clothing prices and limited product availability.
8. Pharmaceuticals & Medical Supplies – Supply Chain Bottlenecks in Healthcare
Imports at risk: Medications, medical equipment, diagnostic tools.
- Many pharmaceutical ingredients are imported, and new trade policies could delay production and increase costs.
- Companies reliant on global supply chains for medical devices and protective equipment may need alternative sourcing.
- Supply chain risk: Higher healthcare costs and potential shortages of essential medicines.
9. Plastics & Packaging Materials – Rising Costs for Manufacturers
Imports at risk: Plastic resins, packaging materials, industrial plastics.
- Rising oil prices (due to energy tariffs) will also impact plastic production, leading to higher packaging costs.
- Manufacturers that rely on imported plastics will need to find alternative domestic sources to avoid increased costs.
- Supply chain risk: Increased costs for packaged goods, logistics challenges, and higher production costs for manufacturers.
10. Paper Products – Higher Prices for Packaging & Office Supplies
Imports at risk: Cardboard, office paper, packaging materials.
- Supply chain disruptions in paper production could lead to shortages of essential packaging materials for e-commerce and retail.
- Businesses dependent on imported office supplies may see higher costs and longer lead times.
- Supply chain risk: Rising packaging costs for businesses and increased prices for paper-based products.
How Supplier.io Helps Businesses Reduce Supply Chain Risk
As tariffs and supply chain challenges continue to grow, businesses need a smarter, data-driven approach to sourcing. Supplier.io provides access to over 10 million suppliers and over $9 trillion in spend history to help businesses quickly identify alternative sources and reduce reliance on at-risk imports.
Key Benefits of Using Supplier.io for Smarter Sourcing
1. Find Alternative Suppliers Fast
Supplier.io’s extensive database includes:
- Construction Materials: 135,000+ suppliers for steel, aluminum, and cement.
- Consumer Electronics: 100,000+ manufacturers specializing in semiconductors, smartphones, and appliances.
- Automotive Parts: 120,000+ suppliers for engines, transmissions, and vehicle electronics.
- Agriculture & Food: 100,000+ fresh produce, meat, and dairy suppliers.
- Retail & Consumer Goods: 120,000+ manufacturers of apparel, furniture, and household products.
2. Reduce Supply Chain Risk with Diversification
Quickly identify alternative suppliers within the U.S. to lower dependency on at-risk imports.
Avoid unexpected delays and price hikes by proactively securing backup suppliers.
3. Gain Data-Driven Insights for Smarter Sourcing Decisions
Track supplier performance and market trends to stay ahead of disruptions.
Use real-time analytics to find cost-effective alternatives and minimize supply chain risks.
Secure Your Supply Chain—Before It’s Too Late
With global trade uncertainty, businesses must act now to secure reliable, cost-effective alternative suppliers. The companies that diversify their sourcing strategies today will gain a competitive advantage tomorrow.
Don’t let sourcing challenges put your supply chain at risk. Find new, reliable suppliers today with Supplier.io.