In this episode of "Product & Packaging Powerhouse," host Megan Young Gamble returns from maternity leave for her first episode with her baby daughter Amaiyah as her co-host. She dives into how the rising tariffs, particularly under President Trump’s administration, are massively impacting the cost and availability of goods, especially in the beauty and packaging industries. Megan breaks down the rising tariffs as of May 13, 2025 (with China seeing up to 245%), which in turn affects everything from packaging materials (aluminum, plastics, paperboard) to everyday goods and manufacturing costs. She shares real-world examples of how businesses are having to pivot: reevaluating suppliers, renegotiating contracts, and making tough decisions like layoffs, all to adapt to the new normal of higher costs and supply chain disruption. Megan also gives actionable advice for brands and suppliers, like diversifying suppliers, ordering packaging in advance, considering fractional support and being strategic about launches and pricing.

The bottom line: Tariffs are shaking up the entire supply chain and affecting everyone from big brands to startup founders, suppliers, and even regular consumers. Megan encourages listeners to stay agile, rethink strategy, and keep an eye on evolving tariff policies

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Additional podcast episodes mentioned in the episode above:

• Intersection of Business & Marriage with my Husband - listen here
• Two non-negotiables with Rachel Hassall on Power of Brand Procurement - listen here

Quotes and Hooks

• As Rapper Fat Joe would say from a rap song, yesterday's price is not today's, and that applies to packaging too.
• Tariffs aren’t just a business issue, they’re hitting households, retailers, and supply chains all at once.
• Beauty brands now need to think like strategists, not just creatives.
• Aluminum may feel like a sustainability win, but it comes with a 25% tariff hit.
• We’re not just sourcing packaging, we’re sourcing resilience.
• Consumers expect sustainability without sacrificing price or performance. That’s the new standard.
• Diversify your packaging suppliers like you would diversify your financial investments.