A B.C. outdoor living company says confusion over tariffs has some American customers thinking twice about hitting the “buy” button, even though its products remain exempt from the taxes. About 82 per cent of GOODLAND’s business comes from the United States and most transactions are done online. Craig Pearce of the Vancouver-based company told CTV News that when customers see “Proudly Canadian” on the website, they often assume they’ll have to pay a steep tariff, when they don’t. “I think there’s a trickle-down effect, right? It’s just the confusion, uncertainty,” said Pearce. “You just hear on the news, 50 per cent tariffs on every Canadian product, when in fact that’s not a reality.” He admitted the constantly changing tariff lists makes it difficult to know what could be affected next. “It’s been a wild ride. It’s been a roller coaster,” he said. “You never know what products are going to be included in the next list.” At the same time, the company that makes wood-fire hot tubs and high-end garden hoses, has been receiving regular messages of support from its American customers. “They’re reaching out to tell us how much they love Canadians and how much they’re unhappy with the current administration,” he said. The latest round of Canada-U.S. trade talks broke down last week, with the U.S. imposing new 50 per cent tariffs on about $28 billion worth of Canadian goods. Canada responded by announcing matching tariffs on U.S. goods, which are set to take effect on Sept. 8.
