Acorn Strategy

How New U.S. Tariffs on Canada Impact E-Commerce & What You Can Do About It

The U.S. government has just imposed a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports, sending shockwaves through the e-commerce industry. If your business sells to U.S. customers, imports from Canada, or operates across borders, these changes will impact pricing, supply chains, and profitability.

But not all news is bad—businesses that pivot quickly can turn this into an opportunity. Whether it’s leveraging the strong U.S. dollar, adjusting your Shopify strategy, or helping U.S. brands expand into Canada, there are tactical moves you can make to stay ahead.

In this guide, we’ll break down:
✔️ How the tariffs impact Canadian & U.S. businesses
✔️ Key risks & challenges to watch out for
✔️ Opportunities to grow, despite the market shift
✔️ Actionable strategies to protect your margins & increase conversions

Now is the time to get strategic, optimize your e-commerce store, and rethink your ad and pricing strategies. Read on to learn how to turn these challenges into a competitive advantage.

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

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