WWT Tariff FAQ
A guide on tariff impact and best practices for customers at World Wide Technology
Overview
Tariffs are a complex and evolving topic that can vary significantly based on the OEM, project-specific requirements, and the destination country. Every customer project is unique, and while this guide is intended to answer common questions related to the recent changes in U.S. import tariffs, we encourage customers to consult with their WWT Program Management team for guidance tailored to their specific needs.
At World Wide Technology (WWT), we are committed to helping our customers navigate the complexities of global trade, especially in light of recent changes to tariff regulations in the United States. This guide is designed to clarify how tariffs may affect your orders, how WWT and our partners handle these charges, and what resources are available to help you manage and plan for these impacts effectively.
What are tariffs, and how do they affect my orders?
Tariffs are taxes imposed by governments on imported goods and are assessed and paid when the product enters the United States. U.S. import tariffs are generally calculated based on the product cost at the time of import. In most cases where OEMs manage the importation into the U.S., tariffs are assessed on the OEM's manufacturing cost, not the final sale price to WWT or its customers. These charges can impact the cost of products and solutions we provide. Tariffs may influence your pricing, lead times, and overall budgeting.
NOTE: This document outlines U.S. import tariffs. Products shipped from the United States to international destinations may be subject to additional tariffs, duties, and taxes imposed by the destination country.
What types of tariffs may impact my purchases with WWT?
Your purchases may be impacted by several types of U.S. import tariffs that could apply, including:
- Section 301 Tariffs – U.S. tariffs primarily targeting goods imported from China, based on unfair trade practices.
- IEEPA Tariffs – Duties applied under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, typically used in response to national security threats.
- Reciprocal Tariffs – Newly announced tariffs effective April 2025, designed to match or respond to tariffs imposed on U.S. goods by other countries.
These tariffs may apply individually or in combination, potentially increasing the total cost of impacted products.
How do OEMs and distributors typically reflect tariffs in pricing?
While it's not possible to anticipate every approach, OEMs and distributors generally reflect tariffs in pricing in one of two common ways:
- List Price Increases – Some manufacturers adjust their list prices to account for added import costs. In these cases, the tariff is built into the overall product price and not shown as a separate line item.
- Separate Line Items – Others pass tariffs through as distinct charges on quotes or invoices, providing greater transparency into the specific impact of tariffs.
In most cases, OEM and distributor partners are responsible for importing goods into the U.S. and paying tariffs at the time of entry. In select scenarios where WWT manages the importation, we will calculate applicable tariffs at the time of quote and include those charges clearly on your invoice.
NOTE: Tariff visibility is dependent on information made available to WWT by its technology partners at the time of quoting or billing. WWT is not liable for undisclosed or retrospective tariff costs. WWT does not absorb any tariff-related costs as part of the sale.
Is WWT actively engaged with OEMs on this issue?
Yes. Our Global Partner Alliance organization maintains ongoing communication with OEMs to understand their tariff strategies. We centrally track and manage this information to ensure our customers receive the most accurate and up-to-date guidance possible.
Where can I find updates on recent tariff changes affecting my products?
WWT regularly communicates tariff updates directly to affected customers. For the most current information on U.S. tariff regulations, you can also visit the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) website
What best practices does WWT recommend to mitigate tariff costs?
We will work closely with you to explore ways to reduce tariff exposure, including recommending alternative sourcing strategies, evaluating product origin, and considering tariff-exempt options where feasible. However, this is a very dynamic and evolving situation. Modifications or changes to supply chain may take time to implement and may not always be possible, especially for orders already in flight. While we can make recommendations, flexibility and timelines will vary depending on your specific needs and the responsiveness of our technology partners. Recommendations are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or tax advice.
Does WWT provide information on country of origin (COO) for imported products?
WWT does not currently capture country of origin (COO) for OEM-manufactured products. OEM partners determine where their products are manufactured, and in most cases, they also manage importation into the United States. While we can sometimes work with partners to obtain country of origin information, WWT is dependent on the supplier's ability and willingness to share that information
Can WWT help anticipate pricing impacts based on tariffs?
While we can work with OEMs to understand how they plan to manage tariffs, WWT cannot predict how OEM partners will handle tariff-related costs or how those decisions will impact their pricing. We are actively engaging with all of our suppliers to better understand tariff implications and how those costs may be reflected in pricing.
Will tariff charges be clearly outlined in my quotes and invoices?
Tariff-related charges may appear in different ways depending on how the importing partner handles them:
- Partner-imported goods with separate tariff lines – If an OEM or distributor breaks out tariff charges at the time of import, these will appear as distinct line items on your quote or invoice.
- Partner-imported goods with list price changes – If the partner absorbs the tariff into a list price increase, WWT will only be able to reflect the new list price without separating the tariff cost.
- WWT-managed imports – In the few instances where WWT is managing the importation into the United States, our Program Management team will work directly with customers to establish a process for estimating and invoicing tariff charges. Charges will be calculated at the time of quote and reflected clearly in your invoice.
Who should I contact at WWT for tariff-related questions, and what support is available?
Please start with your WWT Program Management team. They are your primary point of contact and will coordinate with our Sales, Operations, and Compliance teams to:
- Analyze tariff implications specific to your orders
- Provide insight into potential financial impacts
- Explore options for alternative sourcing or tariff mitigation
- Assist with quote and invoice clarity when WWT is the importer
While we work closely with OEM and distributor partners to obtain timely and accurate data, WWT is sometimes reliant on their willingness and ability to provide detailed information. As such, certain data (like country of origin or tariff estimates) may not always be available at the time of request.