The recent 25% tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Canadian imports have sent shockwaves through industries across North America. If your business relies on U.S. customers, imports from Canada, or cross-border sales, you need to pivot now to stay competitive.
At Acorn Strategy, we specialize in Shopify solutions that help e-commerce brands adapt to economic shifts like these tariffs. In this guide, we’ll break down:
- How the tariffs impact e-commerce businesses
- Key risks & challenges
- Opportunities to pivot & thrive
- Actionable strategies you can implement today
1. Immediate Risks & Challenges
Rising Costs for Canadian Brands Selling to U.S. Customers
If you're a Canadian business that exports to the U.S., your products just got 25% more expensive for American customers. This could mean:
- Reduced demand due to higher prices.
- U.S. retailers seeking American-made alternatives.
- More difficulty competing on price in U.S. marketplaces like Amazon.
2. Opportunities for E-Commerce Brands
Not all news is bad—brands that pivot quickly can gain a competitive edge. Here’s how to turn the tariffs into an opportunity:
Leverage the USD Advantage
If you’re Canadian and get paid in U.S. dollars, your revenue is now worth more in CAD. This means you can:
- Invest in website improvements, marketing, or conversion rate optimization.
- Hire more support or developers to refine your online store.
- Launch an aggressive advertising campaign while U.S. brands cut back.
3. Action Plan: What Should You Do Now?
To stay ahead of these tariff changes, we recommend taking these immediate steps:
✅ Assess Your E-Commerce Strategy – If your business sells to the U.S., explore pricing adjustments, new markets, or bundled offers.
✅ Optimize Your Shopify Store for Higher Conversions – If demand drops due to higher prices, focus on increasing your conversion rate.
✅ Consider Expanding Your Market – Look beyond the U.S. and diversify sales into Canada, Europe, or Australia.
Need Help Navigating This Shift?
At Acorn Strategy, we help e-commerce businesses stay ahead of market changes with custom Shopify solutions, conversion optimization, and high-ROI ad strategies.
→ Book a call today to discuss how we can help you pivot and grow despite the tariffs