Posts

September 10th, 2025

The United States has initiated major changes to tariff policies in place for most of the last 50 Years. New, exceedingly high tariffs are placing huge stress on the global apparel supply chain. How does this impact the industry in Canada, the U.S. & major sourcing countries?  These topics will be the subject of a panel discussion at ATSC in Toronto. Global Tariffs and Trade in Flux: The consequences of new trade policies - perspectives from suppliers and importers will be held …

August 25th, 2025

On August 22, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will eliminate all retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods covered under the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), effective September 1, 2025. This action will remove the 25% retaliatory tariff currently in place covering apparel made in the US and exported to Canada, provided they are USMCA/CUSMA-compliant. The tariffs likely had minimal impact:  US government stats show US exports of apparel to Canada are down 5% to the end of June. Retaliatory tariffs …

August 21st, 2025

Over the last few weeks, as the significance of the end of the de minimis program took hold, CAF began planning a webinar to explain in simple terms how companies (especially those that have developed e-commerce sales in the US supported by the de minimis exemption) can use the provisions of CUSMA to export apparel and textile products to the United States. Despite the fact that de minimis program has been a political football in the US for several years, …

August 5th, 2025

In what has now become a familiar pattern, on July 31, 2025, markets throughout the world were once again disrupted by wide-ranging actions on tariffs instituted by the US administration.  Once the dust had settled on last week’s announcements, various countries and industries could take stock of their position (and others are still looking to “sweeten the deal”) before these tariffs take effect on August 7, 2025.   For companies exporting Canadian-made apparel to US, little has changed in terms of …

June 9th, 2025

On June 4, 2025, CAF hosted a very informative webinar featuring supply chain technology suppliers: Supply Trace and ImportYeti. These platforms offer invaluable insights into supply chain dynamics, enabling companies to identify risks (forced labour etc.), discover reliable suppliers, and make informed sourcing decisions.  The webinar was a free-flowing discussion and a great demonstration of the two platforms.  The recording of the webinar is hosted in the CAF Webinar archive.  This is the first of a planned series of supply …

April 29th, 2025

On April 22 and 23, 2025, Première Vision Montréal made its Canadian debut at the Grand Quai du Port de Montréal, drawing nearly 2,150 professionals and students from across the fashion and textile sectors. With over 100 domestic and international exhibitors and 24 expert-led conferences, the event proved to be a major success, highlighting Montréal’s growing role as a hub for creative and industrial innovation. Organized in partnership with the mmode Cluster and supported by Tourisme Montréal and the Ministry …

April 3rd, 2025

  CBSA has finally updated the form used by importers to facilitate imports from Least Developed Countries (LDC).  The B255 form is required for LDCT customs clearance, but the version available online from CBSA has been outdated - and did not reflect changes to the LDCT rules of origin which came into effect January 1, 2025. We have been aware of this issue since mid-December 2024 and have brought this to the attention of CBSA and the Department of Finance …

March 31st, 2025

CAF Executive Director Bob Kirke will discuss the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports during a session titled "The Impact of Tariffs on Canadian Imports in the USA at PV Montreal. The session will be held on April 23, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the Main Conference Room. Mr. Kirke will highlight how tariffs on "Made in Canada" products could lead to the loss of garment manufacturing jobs and encourage companies to shift production overseas.  The …

March 10th, 2025

  Across Canada, businesses are feeling the impact of market uncertainty. The Export Development Canada (EDC) Trade Impact Program will facilitate an additional $5 billion over two years in support for eligible companies across a range of products to help you navigate economic challenges. If you’re an eligible Canadian exporter, or a company that supplies exporters, here’s how we can help:  Export confidently: EDC trade credit insurance protects against losses in the event of non-payment from your foreign buyer. Manage currency fluctuations: We offer solutions …

February 28th, 2025

CBSA reminds importers to submit financial security before CARM transition measure ends in April From: Canada Border Services Agency The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system has been operational since October 21, 2024. Since then, a new financial security model exists whereby all commercial importers must post their financial security in CARM to benefit from the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program. They can no longer use the financial security posted by their customs brokers. The RPP …