The ROI for Global Trade Management Software
With so many previously duty-free goods now subject to tariffs—and stacked duty rates rising on goods already taxed—companies are looking for cost savings.
Trade automation isn’t just a cost-saving tool—it’s a strategic enabler. Our clients are realizing efficiency gains of up to 75%, meaning they can accomplish significantly more with the same headcount. That translates directly into greater compliance coverage, faster cycle times, and the ability to capture more duty savings opportunities—such as leveraging Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), U.S. content exemptions, or First Sale strategies.
Why Compliance Automation Delivers High ROI
In 2025, the number of customs audits is on target to have surged by 54%, and the projected total of unpaid duties, fees, and penalties is trending towards skyrocketing by 787%—from $667 million to $5.9 billion. This dramatic increase underscores the growing financial risk of non-compliance and the urgent need for scalable, accurate trade operations.
Automation addresses this head-on by:
- Reducing operational risk
- Improving classification accuracy
- Increasing throughput and efficiency
- Enhancing audit readiness
Understanding the ROI Metrics
IT investments are typically evaluated based on their return on investment:
- 5–10% ROI: Baseline/acceptable
- 20% ROI: Strong performance
- 30–50% ROI: High-performing projects
Trade compliance automation often exceeds these benchmarks. But ROI isn’t just about cost savings—it includes:
- Productivity gains (more work done per employee)
- Reduced penalties and fines
- Faster customs clearance and cycle times
- Improved strategic decision-making through better data
To elevate compliance from a cost center to a value driver, organizations must quantify these benefits in financial terms. That requires a structured cost-benefit analysis that accounts for both direct and indirect impacts.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re trying to stay compliant or unlock new duty savings strategies, with automation, you don’t just keep up—you get ahead.
AAEI thanks Todd and KYG Trade for presenting on this topic at AAEI’s 104th Annual Conference & Trade Day. Pre-Sale Registration is available for next year’s conference, for more information and to register, please visit https://bit.ly/4eLv81q.
