In a new Practical Ecommerce article, ePost Global’s Vice President of Strategic Sales and Administration, Helaine Rich, discussed how ongoing trade tensions, postal strikes, and shifting tax policies are reshaping cross-border selling between the U.S. and Canada this holiday season.
Rich noted that recent tariff negotiations and reciprocal surtaxes “up to 25%” have disrupted ecommerce shipment volumes, with some Canadian consumers avoiding U.S. brands amid uncertainty.
“The current administration really took a look at what countries are asking [American businesses] to pay when we’re shipping into their countries and what they’re charging as a premium on U.S. goods,” she explained.
She also pointed to consumer frustration around surprise duties at delivery:
“Nothing is more frustrating than thinking you paid for a product and then getting surprised at the door that you have to pay this, that, and the other duty.”
The piece highlights how these challenges – compounded by Canada Post’s ongoing labor strikes – are prompting U.S. sellers to reassess cost competitiveness, duty-paid pricing models, and carrier contingency plans.
Despite the hurdles, Rich emphasized that Canada remains a valuable growth market for American ecommerce retailers given its proximity, similar consumer behavior, and English-speaking population.
