The Tariff Situation: Why Small Businesses Must Be Ready to Pivot
In business, being adaptable is not just an advantage—it's a necessity. When COVID-19 first hit and supply chain disruptions became a looming threat, I took immediate action. I dedicated a full week to researching Canadian suppliers for everything from packaging to ingredients, determined to minimize dependency on unpredictable imports. What I discovered surprised me: not only was buying local a viable alternative, but it was also not significantly more expensive. In fact, I saved on shipping costs and saw shorter lead times.
For small business owners, I cannot stress this enough: look in every nook and cranny for local suppliers. While some products, like tea, must come from their country of origin (we can't grow matcha in Canada, after all), I was able to source about 90% of my supplies within Canada. The benefits were clear—less reliance on global disruptions, faster production, and stronger support for the Canadian economy.
The Tariff Factor
Now, let’s talk tariffs. Tariffs impose an extra cost on businesses importing goods, which forces them to raise prices. This cost inevitably trickles down to consumers. It’s not ideal for businesses, and it’s certainly not good for customers.
What’s interesting, though, is how tariffs have inadvertently awakened us to the power of local sourcing. We’ve always known that buying local strengthens our economy, but it took the impact of tariffs for many to take action. And now that we are seeing the shift firsthand, it’s exciting to think about the long-term benefits this will have on Canadian businesses and the economy.
A Movement Toward Local
Recently, we ran our “We Are Canadian” Campaign, and the response was overwhelming. Our website traffic exploded, proving that Canadians are eager to support homegrown businesses. Seeing this level of unity and enthusiasm was heartwarming.
Small shifts, when made collectively, can lead to massive change. As consumers and business owners, we have the power to shape our economy through the choices we make. Let’s keep this momentum going—because when we invest in our own country, we all win.