As the global supply chain faces increasing pressures from rising freight costs, shipping delays, and changing tariffs, businesses that depend on timely deliveries and consistent inventory feel the impact. For those in hospitality, where quality linens and punctual shipments are essential, these disruptions can create significant challenges. At Garnier Thiebaut USA, we’re fully aware of these industry shifts and are committed to navigating them with careful planning and adaptability. Our priority is ensuring our partners receive the products they rely on, with minimal setbacks.

Supply chain disruptions affect many industries, but for businesses relying on timely deliveries and stable costs, the impact is especially significant. Two key factors are shaping today’s logistics landscape: freight challenges, and evolving trade policies.

The cost of moving goods has surged due to several ongoing challenges. As of early 2025, ocean freight rates remain 40% higher than pre-pandemic levels, straining supply chains worldwide. The trucking industry is also facing a shortage of over 78,000 drivers, according to the American Trucking Associations, leading to longer delivery times. At major U.S. ports, congestion has increased container dwell times significantly, with some ports like Los Angeles seeing average wait times rise from 2-3 days pre-pandemic to 6.5-9.25 days in 2024. Labor strikes and logistics bottlenecks continue to disrupt operations, leaving businesses waiting for essential inventory. Geopolitical tensions and natural disasters only add to the complexity, making long-term planning more difficult than ever.

Regulatory changes also play a major role in supply chain costs and availability. Recent tariff adjustments, such as the 10% tariff on Chinese-made goods imposed by President Donald Trump, have affected imports and led to pricing shifts across the hospitality industry. These changes are affecting certain products like ready-made cotton and polyester linens that many venues depend on. Businesses that source internationally must navigate these evolving trade policies, balancing quality with cost-effectiveness while ensuring compliance with new regulations.

Despite these challenges, we are taking proactive steps to minimize disruptions and provide stability for our hospitality partners.

Global logistics disruptions, from port congestion to trucking shortages, can cause costly delays. Rather than reacting to these challenges, we take a proactive approach by strategically stocking essential hospitality linens, including bedding, bath terry, and table linens. By securing inventory in advance and continuously optimizing our warehouse capacity, we minimize shipment delays and ensure a reliable supply for our hospitality partners, even when global supply chains face disruptions.

With freight costs remaining high and trade policies constantly shifting, adaptability is essential. At Garnier Thiebaut USA, we maintain direct oversight of sourcing and production to minimize disruptions. We work closely with trusted mills and logistics partners to anticipate potential bottlenecks caused by trucking shortages, international tariffs, and supply chain slowdowns. Our streamlined production processes ensure that our core hospitality collections remain readily available, helping businesses avoid unexpected delays and cost fluctuations.

Fluctuating shipping costs, raw material price shifts, and regulatory changes create financial uncertainty across the industry. To help businesses navigate these challenges, we offer an extensive catalog of linens at a range of price points and styles. Our diverse inventory ensures that hospitality partners can find high-quality options that fit their needs and budgets without compromising on durability or design. By securing long-term supplier relationships and managing costs strategically, we maintain pricing stability and transparency, making it easier to plan purchases without unexpected cost spikes.

Supply chain disruptions and shifting trade policies are challenges we take seriously, but they do not have to be obstacles. At Garnier Thiebaut USA, we’re committed to staying ahead of these matters so our hospitality partners can focus on delivering exceptional experiences without worrying about delayed shipments or rising costs.

We’d love to hear from you. How have these challenges affected your business? Let’s start a conversation about solutions that work. Subscribe to the CUT on LinkedIn for updates on Hospitality industry trends, and feel free to reach out at customercare@gtlinens.com to discuss how we can support your needs.