Navigating Trump-Era Tariffs

CSI’s Strategic Approach to Mitigating Clinical Trial Supply Disruption

Recent developments in U.S. trade policy are shaking up supply chains, not just within the United States but worldwide. With the re-introduction of Trump-era tariffs on key goods, companies engaged in clinical research must rethink their sourcing and logistics strategies. Clinical Services International (CSI) is proactively addressing these challenges to support our clients amid this uncertain climate.

Who's Affected and How?

Several sectors within clinical research are particularly vulnerable to the reimposition of tariffs. It's essential to understand how each of these sectors can be impacted.

Contract Research Organizations (CROs)

Global CROs heavily rely on offshore labs and international logistics. They must now reassess their global sourcing strategies. Tariffs can inflate costs and disrupt timelines—an issue magnified across multicenter, multinational trials.

Small and Mid-Sized Biotechs

Resource-constrained sponsors face critical challenges due to even minor delays or cost increases. These sponsors often operate on tight budgets and timelines, making them particularly sensitive to supply chain disruptions and pricing instability caused by tariffs.

Pharma Sponsors with Global Trials

Large pharmaceutical companies conducting cross-border studies, such as those run by Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and BMS, encounter increased complexity. From sourcing comparators to ensuring regulatory compliance across regions, tariffs introduce new levels of risk into their global operations.

Central Labs & Imaging Providers

Companies that provide centralized laboratory services are struggling to import tariff-affected equipment, reagents, and technology. This has ripple effects on sample analysis timelines and trial coordination.

Clinical Supply Distributors

Distributors of kits, ancillaries, and packaging materials—particularly those relying on global networks—are being pushed to find domestic alternatives quickly.

The Need for Change

As tariffs continue to disrupt established supply chains, trial sponsors and CROs must pivot and adapt. It’s no longer just about cost; it’s about maintaining integrity and efficiency in clinical trials.

CSI’s Strategic Response

At CSI, we’ve built a resilient, globally distributed model designed to insulate our clients from the worst of these market shifts. Here’s how we’re positioned to help:

Diversified Sourcing Network

We maintain direct accounts with most major branded and generic manufacturers, allowing us flexibility in sourcing from regions less impacted by tariff implications. This ensures that our clients have consistent access to necessary supplies.

Regional Warehousing & Cold Chain Solutions

Our global footprint includes warehousing and cold chain capabilities across the EU, UK, US, and APAC. In the U.S., our state-of-the-art facility in Horsham, PA, is equipped to handle growing domestic demand. This helps clients bypass cross-border delays that can disrupt trials.

APAC and LATAM Access

Did you know CSI offers extensive access to APAC and Latin America? This provides alternative supply pathways for comparator drugs and trial materials, ensuring that we're prepared to adapt quickly to market changes.

Regulatory Expertise

We ensure end-to-end compliance with GDP, GMP, and ICH-GCP guidelines. Our team is skilled in navigating customs documentation and tariff classification processes, helping to avoid unnecessary delays or fees.

Support for Biotechs and CROs

From flexible minimum order quantities to agile sourcing for niche comparators, our scientific team is built to support the dynamic needs of small-to-mid biotech companies and CRO partners. We understand the cost and timeline pressures you face.

Emphasizing Collaboration

Collaboration is critical in overcoming the challenges posed by tariffs. At CSI, we believe in a partnership approach. We work closely with our clients to tailor strategies that meet their unique supply chain needs.

Looking Ahead

While the full economic and political implications of these tariffs unfold, one thing is evident: trial sponsors and CROs must employ a proactive approach. This is not just about managing costs; it's about forging resilient pathways for clinical supply.

CSI is here to help you de-risk your clinical supply chain, maintain regulatory confidence, and keep your trial on track—no matter where it’s running. If you're rethinking your supply strategy in light of the new tariff climate, reach out to our team today to explore how we can help.

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