CAF is ramping up activities to respond to the changing dynamics in the North American marketplace. In particular, we are working to provide solutions to firms impacted by the end of duty-free shipments to the US, under the de minimis. If your firm is impacted by these changes, keep an eye out for our survey on the impact of the end of the US de minimis program due out in a week or so.
Our newsletter this week includes a webinar covering product standards for the US (with a focus on smaller shippers), and we have begun work with Canadian government officials on additional sessions to support smaller companies dealing with the fallout from the end of the US de minimis program.
Things are never easy, but a significant number of companies are starting to figure out ways to adjust their business plans without the benefit of duty-free, low-value shipments to the United States.
The CAF, on behalf of the industry, is pursuing funding that will assist us in helping companies during this transition period. We are also working directly with key logistics providers who are developing new solutions for small parcel shippers. We hope to be able to announce new webinars during the week of October 13.
Finally, if all of that were not enough, each of the three partners in North American Free Trade partners has launched consultations to get input from their industry on the renewal of our trilateral free trade agreement. We encourage companies to participate, but we strongly encourage companies to note that: even with all of the disruptions from the Trump administration, most Canadian apparel companies have not faced significant disruptions in exporting Canadian-made products to the United States.
This is a testament to the fact that the CUSMA includes significant provisions that benefit this industry. Every company can comment, but we encourage people to recognize that the agreement, as it stands, is a significant benefit to this industry.
As always, contact us if you need our assistance.