Gallagher-Kaiser's Yuliya Pavlova on strategies to overcome tariff uncertainty
At ALSC Global 2026, Gallagher-Kaiser’s Yuliya Pavlova discussed how tariff uncertainty, shifting sourcing strategies and growing demand for data centre infrastructure are changing supply chain priorities, and why manufacturers need to rethink traditional approaches.
Speaking on the Red Sofa at ALSC Global, Yuliya Pavlova, logistics coordinator at Gallagher-Kaiser, discussed how manufacturers are adapting to ongoing tariff uncertainty and changing demands across North American supply chains.
Pavlova highlighted the importance of working closely with freight forwarders, customs brokers and international carriers, alongside continued training to keep teams informed about changing customs regulations and international trade policy.
Manufacturers are also reassessing their sourcing strategies, weighing overseas suppliers against more regional options in the US and Canada, she said. According to Pavlova, Gallagher-Kaiser evaluates tariffs before making sourcing decisions to identify potential savings from domestic procurement and avoid unnecessary costs and delays.
The rapid growth of data centre investment is adding further pressure to industrial supply chains. Pavlova noted that construction projects are competing with automotive OEMs for engineers, skilled tradespeople and materials, including electrical and cooling components. She also acknowledged that demand is increasing for warehouses located near to construction sites that can accommodate specialist equipment, including lithium-ion battery systems.
To manage these pressures, Pavlova argued that manufacturers need to move beyond traditional approaches to procurement and supply chain management. Drawing on Gallagher-Kaiser’s experience as part of vertically integrated Kaiser Enterprise, she highlighted the benefits of bringing complementary businesses under the same umbrella, reducing the need to source external subcontractors and enabling closer collaboration.
Looking ahead, Pavlova expects tariff uncertainty to remain a challenge, while highlighting opportunities to recover costs through tariff refunds and closer coordination with suppliers. She also pointed to the importance of reviewing Incoterms, including delivered duty paid (DDP) and cost, insurance and freight (CIF), to identify potential avenues for recovery and build more integrated supplier relationships.
Watch the full Red Sofa interview with Yuliya Pavlova from ALSC Global 2026.
