Abstract
This study examines the impact of tariff exposure on the financial performance of firms across different industries, with a comparative lens on public and private companies. The analysis is situated within the context of growing global protectionism and trade policy uncertainty, which have imposed new challenges on corporate cost structures and supply chain strategies. Drawing on secondary data from the period 2020 to 2024, the study employs a quantitative cross-sectional design to evaluate financial indicators such as return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), revenue growth, and operating margins. The findings reveal that technology firms are generally more resilient to tariff shocks, while manufacturing and agriculture sectors show greater financial vulnerability. Public companies consistently outperform private ones, benefiting from broader access to capital, diversified operations, and more robust risk management capabilities. Strategic responses such as supply chain diversification, localized production, and financial hedging were found to mitigate the adverse effects of tariff exposure. The study contributes to the understanding of how firms navigate tariff-induced risks and offers practical insights for policymakers, corporate leaders, and investors aiming to strengthen operational resilience in an increasingly volatile trade environment.
Keywords
Tariff Exposure, Financial Performance, Public Vs. Private Firms, Trade Policy, Supply Chain Strategy, Trade Risk Management.
Citations
IRE Journals:
Onoriode Enaigbe "Tariff Exposure On the Financial Performance of Firms Across Different Industries" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 3 2025 Page 853-866 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I3-1710678-4188
IEEE:
Onoriode Enaigbe
"Tariff Exposure On the Financial Performance of Firms Across Different Industries" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(3) https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I3-1710678-4188
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