IO | Tariffs & Cash Flow

A Simulation for Strategic Thinking in a Tariff-Driven Market
Learn how tariffs, sourcing decisions, and pricing tactics ripple through a business—and practice managing them in real time.

A facilitator working with teams to boost their understanding of how money moves through the business.
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Change Happens.

In Spring 2025, costs were relatively stable. Then tariffs returned to the headlines. Within days, companies were recalculating sourcing options, revisiting customer agreements, and rethinking pricing structures. Companies in industries from automotive to technology to pharmaceuticals began scrambling to adjust. It wasn’t just raw materials; it was capital equipment and even shipping costs. The ripple effect was unavoidable.

This simulation gives participants a clear, experiential understanding of:

  • How tariffs raise costs on raw materials and supplies.
  • Capital Expenditure (CapEx) – How tariffs drive up costs for building new capacity, expanding existing plants, and purchasing equipment.
  • Market Position & Competitive Strategy – How tariff pass-through strategies can impact competitive positioning, especially if suppliers mark up their products disproportionately.

This is not just theory. Every decision matters.

What the Simulation Covers

Participants take charge of a business and face challenges such as:

  • A sudden tariff on imported components
  • Pressure from key customers on pricing transparency
  • Internal debates over pass-through strategies
  • Legal and reputational risks in pricing and disclosure
  • Supplier mark-ups that go beyond the actual tariff costs


Each team must decide:

  • How do we handle this with our customers?
  • And what are the consequences?

Key Learning Outcomes

Participants walk away with:

  • Real-world insight into the mechanics and consequences of tariffs
  • Greater comfort with financial decision-making in uncertain markets
  • The ability to align sales, finance, and operations around shared risks
  • Strategic thinking about margin, customer trust, and transparency

Who It’s For

This simulation is designed for cross-functional teams involved in pricing, sourcing, and customer strategy—especially when costs shift due to external forces like tariffs.

When these roles work together, they can make stronger, faster, more aligned decisions.

  • Sales and Account Managers – who negotiate with customers and manage relationships
  • Operations and Supply Chain – who handle sourcing, logistics, and landed costs
  • Finance and Pricing Analysts – who manage margins, track profitability, and guide pricing
  • Customer Service and Order Management – who process orders and resolve billing issues

Available Formats

IO Tariffs & Cash Flow is available in Discussion/Talk Spots or a targetted simulation.

Discussion/Talk Spots

  • Finance Literacy workshops, 6 hours or longer (e.g. Finance for Everyone)
  • 1-Day Second Exposure

Custom Simulation

  • 1-Day Finance for Everyone (add 30 minutes to workshop length)
  • 1.5-Day Finance & Decision-Making
  • 2-Day Finance & Strategy
  • 1-Day Second Exposure