He trade war between Canada and the United States has taken a new turn with the imposition of 25% customs tariffs on certain products. Since March 4, 2025, Canadian businesses, including those in our cooperative, have faced considerable uncertainty, particularly regarding supplies from the United States. This tax poses a major challenge for entrepreneurs, who must contend with unforeseen and potentially high cost increases at the start of the season.​

For those who are not yet members of our cooperative, please know that we have implemented several strategies to assist our members through this uncertain period. Our procurement team has made this issue a top priority and is working tirelessly to provide tailored solutions to minimize the impact of these tariff increases on our member businesses.​

Actions of the Procurement Team

Since the implementation of these customs duties, our team has intensified efforts to reduce the impact of this trade war. Key actions taken include:​

1. Identification of Affected Products: We are currently identifying the origin of imported products to determine precisely which are subject to the new tariffs. This identification allows us to understand specific issues and better direct our efforts to find viable solutions.​
2. Seeking Local Alternatives: To mitigate the impact of price increases, we are actively seeking local and Canadian alternatives to products affected by the tax. We remain vigilant and ensure that we keep our members informed about possible solutions to guarantee stable and reliable supplies.​
3. Collaboration with Suppliers: We are working closely with our suppliers to obtain information on product origins and to explore solutions aimed at keeping prices as stable as possible. Our relationships with them are strengthened by constant monitoring and close follow-up.​
4. Support via the CFIB: We have also established contact with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) to benefit from their expertise. A webinar is scheduled for March 27, 2025, to inform all entrepreneurs about the issues of the trade war and tariff adjustments.​

Reassuring Measures for Our Members

We are aware of the potential impact of customs taxes on the supply of affected products. Rest assured that our procurement team is actively working to limit this impact and ensure that any price adjustments are justified. For our members, this means constant monitoring and regular information to help them navigate this period of uncertainty and make informed decisions.​

Why Choose the Cooperative?

As a member of our cooperative, you benefit from constant support, a valuable asset in times of uncertainty. Our collaborative approach allows each entrepreneur to leverage a strong network to face current challenges. Joining the cooperative means not only accessing tailored solutions but also being part of a community of entrepreneurs who stand together in the face of difficulties.​

Stay Connected

For more information on affected products and to monitor the situation’s progress, consult the complete list of products on the Canada.ca website. To discuss issues with other entrepreneurs, participate in the CFIB webinar scheduled for March 27 (available only to CFIB members). Members will be able to watch the webinar again after it has been published.

The Coop Team