The Buzz: Tariffs, Terabytes, and the Final Frontier

4 snips

Feb 13, 2026

A deep dive into shifting U.S.–India trade talks and the potential impacts on sourcing and tariffs. A look at the explosive growth of data center infrastructure and why regions like Northern Virginia matter. Discussion of AI-driven demand for computing capacity and emerging visions for space-based data centers and lunar logistics.

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ANECDOTE

A Tailgate Staple

Richard Donaldson described his Super Bowl tailgate favorite: wings and a croissant-style pigs-in-blanket using chicken apple sausages.
He shared this as a long-standing personal recipe he makes for Super Bowls.

INSIGHT

Potential U.S.–India Trade Shift

A tentative U.S.–India trade deal could cut U.S. tariffs on India and remove extra tariffs tied to Russian oil purchases.
The agreement reportedly includes massive U.S. exports and Indian reductions in tariffs and non-tariff barriers.

INSIGHT

Geopolitical Dominoes And Energy Realignment

Richard Donaldson frames the U.S.–India move as part of a broader geopolitical rebalancing and energy realignment.
He predicts major global axes will shift as countries change oil and trade partners.

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Global trade policy is shifting, digital infrastructure demand is exploding, and the next frontier of supply chain operations may literally be off-planet. From tariffs to terabytes to orbiting technology, the pace of change isn’t slowing down anytime soon, welcome to The Buzz, powered by EasyPost!

In this episode, Scott Luton and Richard Donaldson break down a potential U.S.–India trade agreement and what it could mean for sourcing strategies, tariffs, and global partnerships. The conversation then turns to the rapid growth of data center infrastructure across the United States, why certain regions have become critical digital logistics hubs, and how AI is accelerating demand for computing capacity. Finally, the hosts explore a bold emerging concept: space-based data centers — and how advancements in energy efficiency, cooling, and scalability could reshape long-term supply chain strategy.

Tune in to learn:

What a U.S.–India trade agreement could change for tariffs and global sourcing
Why data centers are becoming core supply chain infrastructure
How AI growth is driving massive infrastructure investment
Why Northern Virginia leads the U.S. in data center concentration
The potential advantages of space-based data storage and processing
What these developments signal for long-term operational strategy

Whether you’re a supply chain practitioner, technology leader, strategist, or simply trying to keep pace with where operations and innovation are heading, this episode will help you connect the dots between trade policy, infrastructure investment, and the next era of global supply chains.

Additional Links & Resources:

Learn more about EasyPost: https://www.easypost.com/
Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
WEBINAR- Supply Chain Planning Reimagined: Embedded AI that senses, explains, and optimizes: https://bit.ly/4pOGgyo
WEBINAR- ChatGPT Is Just the Beginning for Shipping: https://bit.ly/3YLFGq7

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Richard Donaldson, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-tariffs-terabytes-final-frontier-1545