“People think of tariffs and duties as just shipping line items—but they’re reshaping boardroom strategy.” — Noa Sussman, TecEx

In this installment of the TecEx podcast series, Noa Sussman returns to help listeners navigate the rapidly evolving—and often misunderstood—world of tariffs, duties, and VAT. Hosted by Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, this session pulls back the curtain on the taxes and trade terms that are quietly impacting IT budgets, deployment timelines, and global expansion strategies.

“We’ve reached a point where the C-suite needs to understand the difference between a tariff and a duty,” says Sussman. “These aren’t just accounting line items anymore. They’re strategic levers that can affect profitability, market timing, and compliance risk.”

TecEx provides not just shipping services, but end-to-end strategic support for global IT deployments, acting as the “importer of record” in over 200 jurisdictions. In this episode, Sussman breaks down:

What VAT really is and how it’s recoverable along the supply chain—but a major cash flow issue at customs if unplanned.

How duties differ from VAT and why they are used to protect domestic industries from foreign competition.

Why tariffs are political tools, not just trade policies—and how they're weaponized in global disputes.

Why compliance isn’t optional and how recent export control failures have landed executives in legal trouble.

Using real-world examples, Sussman shows how companies can lose margin—or worse, face legal issues—simply by failing to plan early. “We’re not just problem solvers after things go wrong,” he emphasizes. “We’re strategic partners who can help you avoid the problem in the first place.”

Key takeaway: Don't wait until a shipment is stuck at customs. Engage with experts like TecEx before contracts are signed and pricing is set. Taxes, duties, tariffs, and compliance must now be factored into the earliest stages of international planning.

Learn more at https://www.tecex.com