Canadian Apparel News

U.S. trade officials on Tuesday September 16th started the formal review process for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), inviting public comment ahead of next year's renewal of the pact.   This starts what is likely to be a highly contentious process, particularly against the backdrop of the tariffs President Trump imposed this year on both countries. USMCA  (CUSMA) entered into force in 2020. The terms of the agreement call for a mandatory joint review in July 2026. If the three countries do not agree to extend the pact, it will then end in 2036. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative …

In late August, CAF arranged to present a webinar in early September on new DDP arrangements for companies wantting to ship merchandise to the United States through the postal service. Previously low volume shipments could qualify under the de minimis entry.  This was terminated on Aug. 29, 2025. The presenter was to have been Zonos.  They have an agreement with Canada Post and are authorized by the US government to collect duties covering postal shipment.  We have not yet been able to present this overview of the Zonos / Canada Post offering.  This stems from communications policies/restrictions imposed by Canada …

CAF is setting up a working group/committee to bring together CAF member firms with a significant interest in the renewal of CUSMA/USMCA.    A mandatory review of the agreement must take place in 2026.  Contrary to some of the chaos relating to US Tariff actions, there is a legal process in the United States that the administration must (and we believe they will) observe.  This begins with an invitation for public comment which will be published by early October.  While the Canadian government sought input from industry in fall, 2024, it is possible that a new round of information gathering will …

CAF members are now eligible for preferred pricing on Oracle NetSuite. NetSuite is a unified, cloud-based business management platform helping tens of thousands of customers across the globe automate core processes and provide real-time visibility into operational and financial performance.  CAF members can take advantage of preferred  pricing for the starter, standard, and premium editions of NetSuite ERP/Financials.  For more information click here.

August 28 is the deadline for pre-budget submissions.  The federal budget is typically presented in the spring. Due to the timing of the election earlier this year, the government delayed a full federal budget until the fall.  While the timing for the Budget to be tabled remains unclear, the date for pre-budget submissions is August 28, 2025.    CAF intends to submit comments, primarily around tariff issues and other policies that had been outlined in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement (FES). Owing to the resignation of Prime Minister Trudeau, certain provisions of the FES have not been implemented, nor was a …

You are invited to participate in a virtual workshop on digital product labelling on Thursday, July 3, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (ET).  This interactive workshop will feature: A presentation by the European Commission on the Digital Product Passport initiative   A presentation by GS1 on global standards supporting product data management.   A demonstration of Peer Ledger’s QR code-based digital labelling platform    An opportunity for you to provide direct feedback on Peer Ledger’s made-in-Canada technology.  Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s (ISED) is providing the funding for this initiative, with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) participating. Your participation will help …

A recent article in Sourcing Journal (and also on Yahoo.com) has contributed to misunderstandings concerning the current tariff situation between Canada and the United States regarding consumer products such as apparel. The article in question,  Canada Cools US Trade Tensions By Drawing Down Retaliatory Duties, cites recent adjustments to some of the surtaxes imposed on US products by the Canadian Government, but misinterprets the scope of such adjustments. The article suggests that Canada has withdrawn a 25% tariff (the Canadian government refers to these as surtaxes) that applies to US products such as apparel.  These surtaxes were put in place …

We have received requests from members to source the following made-in-Canada products. Denim (women), leather jackets and baseball caps.

  US Customs and Border Protection has released  GUIDANCE re.  Reciprocal Tariffs, April 5, 2025 Effective Date LINK: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/3da7831     The purpose of this message is to provide guidance on the additional duties due on imported merchandise, which were imposed by Executive Order, “Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits,” issued on April 2, 2025. This guidance applies to the actions that are effective on April 5, 2025.  CBP will issue separate guidance for the actions that are effective on April 9, 2025.  GUIDANCECHAPTER 99 …

Customs Notice 25-10: United States Surtax Order (2025-1) Ottawa, March 4, 2025 United States Surtax Order (2025-1) 1. This notice provides information on the application of the United States Surtax Order (2025-1), specifically regarding surtax provisions effective March 4, 2025, on certain goods originating in the United States (U.S.). 2. The surtax is introduced by Canada in response to the U.S.’ imposition of tariffs on goods imported into the U.S. from Canada. 3. The administration of the United States Surtax Order (2025-1) is the responsibility of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). To read the full document go here:   https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn-ad/cn25-10-eng.html