The RSPA Canadian Community hosted an online roundtable on October 30 to examine how tariffs, trade regulations, and supply-chain challenges were affecting the Canadian retail IT channel.
The discussion was led by panelists:
- Paul Leduc, Globe POS Systems (moderator)
- Lora Coggins, Partner Tech
- Bob Flint, Star Micronics
- Michel Sirois, BlueStar Canada
- Candace Sider, Livingston International
Panelists described how shifting tariffs, sudden U.S. executive orders, and evolving import classifications have disrupted manufacturing, importing, and distribution. They shared strategies to reduce impact, such as relocating production, improving forecasting, using bonded/free-trade zones, and exploring direct-to-Canada shipping to bypass U.S. tariffs.
The conversation underscored that communication, transparency, and customer education were critical as companies adapt to a volatile global trade environment.
We leveraged OpenAI’s ChatGPT to summarize key takeaways:
- Volatile Tariff Environment: Frequent, last-minute trade policy shifts require importers to act quickly and often pay tariffs upfront – sometimes within days of new rulings
- Forecasting Becomes Critical: Distributors and manufacturers emphasized long-term forecasting as essential to maintain inventory flow and avoid shortages or unexpected costs
- Manufacturing Diversification: Companies have shifted production (e.g., from China to Taiwan) to mitigate tariffs and maintain stability in supply
- Increased Complexity in Customs: Customs requirements now demand detailed breakdowns of components (e.g., tin cans vs. contents), adding administrative burdens and risk of misclassification
- Distributor Challenges: Distributors, often the importers of record, absorbed the heaviest compliance and financial risks, affecting timelines and pricing downstream
- Education & Transparency: Panelists urged all channel partners to communicate openly with customers about tariff-related costs and realistic delivery expectations
- Exchange Rate Opportunities: Favorable exchange-rate fluctuations occasionally help offset tariff impacts – a reminder to watch currency trends closely
- Direct-to-Canada Importing: Panelists discussed shifting supply chains to ship directly from Asia to Canada, bypassing U.S. ports to avoid double handling and tariffs
- USMCA/CUSMA Review Looming: The upcoming 2026 review of the trilateral trade agreement could introduce new uncertainty and potential duty changes for Canadian importers
- Collaboration Across the Channel: The overarching message was cooperation – VARs, distributors, and manufacturers should share information, plan jointly, and support each other to weather unpredictable trade dynamics
Want to hear the entire conversation? You can view and listen to the entire session recording via the RSPA YouTube Channel.
For additional information on the RSPA Canadian Community, please follow this link or email Membership@GoRSPA.org.
