Customs tariffs: what impact will they have on your eCommerce business and how can you adapt?

The recent announcement of new tariffs between the USA and Canada raises many questions for eCommerce companies. Although a break on tariffs for the next month has been announced, it is essential for companies to be prepared for all eventualities. These measures require strategic adjustments to online merchants’ logistics, pricing and marketing strategies.

Until now, parcels valued at less than USD $800 shipped from Canada to the United States could cross the border without being subject to customs duties, thanks to the so-called de minimis exemption. This measure, however, will end on August 29, 2025.

From then on, the United States will apply customs tariffs on all imports, regardless of their value or country of origin. This change is expected to have a significant impact on small and medium-sized businesses. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, around 30% of them will be directly affected by the end of this exemption.

It is worth noting, however, that products shipped under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement will continue to be exempt from U.S. duties (1).

At Novatize, we understand these challenges. To help you prepare for these potential changes, our specialists are ready and willing to work with you to turn these changes into opportunities. What does this mean for your eCommerce business? The new tariffs could have repercussions on several levels:

1. Impact on logistics strategy and shipping costs

Increased tariffs on certain products may necessitate a review of import and export strategies. This means that companies will have to review their logistics strategies:

Evaluate new shipping partners to minimize costs;
Evaluate local or alternative suppliers to reduce tariff exposure;
Optimize inventory management to avoid additional costs linked to tariff fluctuations.

2. Adaptation of the dynamic pricing strategy

With costs potentially variable depending on product provenance and new taxes, it could be relevant to adjust prices intelligently. Here are some possible approaches:

Implement dynamic pricing strategies by region;
Readjust profit margins in line with new market realities;
Communicate clearly with customers to explain any price increases.

3. Impact on advertising and SEO strategy

The additional costs imposed by these tariffs could lead companies to reallocate their marketing budgets:

Optimize SEO to capture organic traffic and reduce dependence on paid advertising;
Test new markets to diversify revenue sources and limit the impact of rate fluctuations;
Focus more on expansion in your region or country to minimize the impact of international tariffs;
Clearly display the origin of our products to help customers make purchasing decisions.

4. Evaluation of technology solutions and partners

The current situation could lead companies to rethink their technological ecosystem and suppliers:

Evaluate eCommerce solutions adapted to new business realities;
Explore new regional logistics and technology partners;
Automate certain processes to optimize costs and order management.

How can Novatize help you prepare for this transition?

At Novatize, we have a dedicated team to help our customers adapt to the new pricing measures. Here are some of the actions we can take together:

Analysis of your situation and the impact of tariffs on your business;
Optimization of your supply chain to reduce the costs associated with the new tariffs;
Implementation of a dynamic pricing strategy adapted to market realities;
Readjust your advertising and SEO strategy to minimize loss of profitability;
Identify new partners and suppliers to ensure continuity of operations;
The eCommerce environment is constantly evolving, and we’re here to help you turn these challenges into strategic opportunities. Contact us today to schedule a call with our specialists and design an action plan tailored to your reality;
If required, Novatize’s network of partners can be involved in certain areas of expertise.

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