International Tariff Turmoil: How global trade policy is rewriting UK SME finance strategy

Why this report matters for UK SMEs

Global uncertainty is hitting home: UK SMEs face rising supply chain risks, falling sales, and pressured investments.

That’s why CPiO surveyed 250 UK Finance Decision-Makers* to uncover the real impact of international trade tariffs—and the strategies SMEs are using to stay resilient.

In this report, you’ll discover how UK manufacturers are:

• Responding to measurable sales slowdowns and pipeline disruption

• Managing supply chain risk and renegotiating contracts

• Adapting financial planning to cope with uncertainty

• Investing in resilience—from ERP systems to supplier diversification.

*The research was conducted in July 2025 and surveyed the views of 250 UK Finance Decision-Makers (FDMs) who work within the UK Manufacturing and Distribution/ Logistics sectors, within organisations that have a minimum annual turnover of £1m or more.

Free Access: International Tariff Turmoil: How global trade policy is rewriting UK SME finance strategy