Luna Collective, a cherished small business in Victoria, recently faced an unexpected challenge: a hefty new tariff on American goods. This surtax added a surprising 25% charge to their latest shipment, resulting in an additional $1,262.91 cost on an order made in January.
Eryn Beattie, the owner, wasn’t aware of the tariff until her shipment arrived. She received a message from UPS asking for more details to get the package through customs. After digging into the requirements, she found out about the extra charge when she checked her account with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
“I’ve done a lot of reading, but the information out there is pretty vague,” Beattie remarked. “It’s been tough to know what will happen with our orders.” Despite being aware of pending tariffs for six weeks, businesses like hers were left in the dark about which products would be affected.
“There hasn’t been clear communication,” she added. “It feels like we’re just figuring it out as we go.” Luna Collective focuses on sustainable, handmade products that customers enjoy. Right now, about 30% of their inventory comes from the U.S., which might need to change depending on how long these tariffs last.
Even though Beattie may reconsider specific orders, she knows that her customers love the products sourced from American partners. “We’ve built great relationships, and it’s hard to pull those items from our shelves,” she explained. “These small businesses across the border are not the enemy. We value and want to keep supporting them.”
This situation reflects a broader concern for many small businesses facing increased costs and uncertainty. According to a recent survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, nearly 60% of small business owners are worried about how tariffs might impact their operations this year. With the economic landscape shifting, many are left wondering about the future.
As Beattie navigates these challenges, she remains positive. “We’ll adapt, but supporting our customers and our small business partners is crucial.” Her resilience is shared by many small business owners today, all striving to endure these uncertain times.
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Source linkBusiness|Tariff war
