10
because our razors are manufactured
of steel is the tariff being applied for?
with imported blade steel. It was
What countries are exempt? What
a challenging situation because
countries are not exempt? What are the
something like that can immediately
criteria for exemption? These tie back
have a big impact on the margins of
to our category expertise as well, where
that line of business. We took a very
we had a very in-depth understanding
systematic, and what I would consider
of the macroeconomics, the cost
a very organized approach towards
drivers and the marketplace for blade
managing that risk in a four-step
steel. This really helped us to incorpo-
approach,” he explains.
rate a sourcing strategy that would
“The first step was to really under-
allow us to manage some of these risks.
stand the policy, go down to the details
“The second step was assessing the
and really understand what the tariff
risk exposure, understanding the full
is being applied on. What categories
value stream within our supply chain
“ I n the past, consumers used to be a lot more loyal to big brand names, but nowadays are looking for more personalization and are willing to try new brands that appeal to their individuality” — Nirav Mehta, Vice President of Global Procurement at Edgewell Personal Care (EPC)